Denver Broncos–Tennessee Titans Trade History

Denver acquired former All-Pro receiver Bill Groman from Houston for two high 1964 AFL draft choices, giving Houston both premium selections in the exchange. Groman produced 27 catches for 437 yards and three touchdowns in his lone Broncos season. Houston received both premium choices, but neither became an Oilers star, leaving Denver with the better realized return.

Denver acquired Jacky Lee's services from Houston on a two-year loan on August 14, 1964, sending All-AFL defensive tackle Bud McFadin and its 1965 first-round pick to the Oilers. That choice became the No. 2 selection, later traded to the Jets and used on Joe Namath. Lee started 11 games for Denver in 1964 but only one in 1965 before returning to Houston. The price overwhelms the temporary quarterback value.

Denver Broncos received 1971 eighth round pick (#187-Tom Beard), while Tennessee Titans received Tom Smiley. Houston received Tom Smiley and Denver received the 1971 eighth-round choice used at No. 187 on Tom Beard. Smiley produced almost no rushing value for Houston, and Beard did not create regular-season value for Denver, leaving little separation. Denver Broncos earns a C- grade, and the overall verdict is Even Trade.

Denver Broncos received Leroy Mitchell, while Tennessee Titans received John Charles. Denver received Leroy Mitchell in the straight player-for-player swap. Mitchell did not create a major long-term advantage for the Broncos, leaving Denver with a modest return rather than a transformative one. In hindsight, that direct return supports a C grade for Denver Broncos. The grade reflects realized football value from this exchange rather than reputation alone.

Denver acquired Tom Domres from Houston for the 1972 sixth-round choice that became No. 136 Elmer Allen. Domres immediately started all five games he played for Denver in 1971 and returned for 11 more appearances in 1972. That usable two-season line contribution gave the Broncos more realized football value than the Oilers generated from the late-round selection.

Denver acquired quarterback Charley Johnson from Houston for a 1973 third-round choice on August 16, 1972. Johnson became the Broncos’ primary quarterback and led the franchise to its first winning season in 1973. Houston later dealt the acquired pick to Baltimore, which selected Bill Olds at No. 61. Denver’s direct multi-season quarterback value makes this a strong Broncos win.

Denver traded linebacker Bill McKoy to Houston on July 2, 1973 for the Oilers' 1974 seventh-round draft choice. Contemporary transaction records confirm the player-for-pick exchange, but the exact selection Denver ultimately exercised is not identified in the reviewed public record. McKoy never appeared in a Houston regular-season game and resurfaced with San Francisco in 1974.

Denver Broncos received Jeff Severson in the exchange with Houston Oilers/Tennessee Titans. Jeff Severson gave Denver a full season of defensive-back depth and several starts. Against the other side's return of 1976 seventh round pick (#197-Larry Harris), that outcome supports a B- grade. The transaction is ultimately judged as Denver Broncos Win, with the grade reflecting realized football value rather than the name or nominal value of the asset on the trade date.

Denver acquired Butch Johnson from Houston on August 20, 1984 for a 1985 third-round pick. Johnson immediately became a meaningful receiving weapon, producing 587 yards and six touchdowns in 1984 and 380 yards with three scores in 1985. Houston used No. 82 on center Mike Kelley, whose NFL contribution was limited. The Broncos received the clearly stronger realized return.

Denver acquired Houston’s 31st overall pick during the 1985 draft and used it on wide receiver Vance Johnson. The Broncos sent the 36th and 138th picks to Houston. Johnson became a core Denver receiver, finishing his Broncos career with 415 receptions, 5,695 yards and 37 receiving touchdowns. That decade of offensive value gave Denver the stronger result even though Houston also received productive players.

Denver and Tennessee reshuffled late-round draft capital in 2016, with the Broncos receiving No. 176 and a 2017 sixth while the Titans received Nos. 157 and 253. Denver turned No. 176 into fullback Andy Janovich, a useful four-year contributor, while Tennessee used No. 157 on cornerback LeShaun Sims, who played 56 games and made 11 starts for the Titans. The realized value is remarkably balanced.

Denver acquired five-time Pro Bowler Jurrell Casey from Tennessee for a seventh-round pick, but the veteran played only three games for the Broncos before a season-ending biceps injury and was released the following February. Tennessee received very little draft value, yet it also moved an expensive veteran contract. With neither side realizing major on-field gains, the deal finishes much closer to even than Denver's acquisition-day bargain suggested.