NFL Trade Rumors: Why Denver Broncos Would Be Unwise To Deal Eddie Royal

While you can understand why the Denver Broncos would want to get something for soon-to-be free-agent wide receiver Brandon Lloyd, the fire sale at that position shouldn't extend to Eddie Royal, who has also been discussed in various trades.

Lloyd, 30, was dealt to the St. Louis Rams on Tuesday for a sixth-round pick that could potentially turn into a fifth. 

But Royal should be kept around, if only to help new starting quarterback Tim Tebow ease into his new role as the top man on the depth chart.

Royal came into the 2011 season as the Broncos' No. 2 receiver, but injuries have relegated him to a lesser role. Royal caught 92 passes for the Broncos as a rookie in 2008, but his numbers have steadily declined since that season. He can still be counted on as a possession receiver if on the field.

With or without Royal, the Broncos have question marks without Lloyd in the mix.  

The Broncos are happy with the progression of Eric Decker, a third-round pick last year, as one of the team's starting receivers. He has 22 catches for 366 yards and four touchdowns, but has never been a No. 1 receiver at this level. Decker will be expected to take many of Lloyd's looks. 

Demaryius Williams, a first-rounder with Tebow in 2010, is scheduled to return from injury either this week or the next. He's struggled to stay healthy in his first two NFL seasons, but has flashed big-play potential. 

Matt Willis has also shown flashes that he can contribute in a slot role, but he's only caught eight career passes.

It probably goes without saying that stripping Lloyd, who led the NFL in receiving yards a year ago and made the Pro Bowl, drops the talent level of the Broncos receivers down a notch.

With Tebow preparing to make his first start of the 2011 season, he needs all the help he can get. The Broncos lost their top downfield threat in Lloyd, who also led Denver in targets in the three games that Tebow started last season.

Taking away Royal is playing with fire in the Broncos offense. At the very least, he provides Tebow with a safety blanket underneath.

If you're the Broncos and you've committed to starting Tebow at quarterback, don't take away two of his top receiving threats before he even steps on the field for his first start. That's not giving Tebow or the evaluation of him as quarterback a chance to give you an accurate reading.