Denver Broncos received A.J. Derby. Denver received tight end…
Denver Broncos received A.J. Derby. Denver received tight end A.J. Derby and used him as an immediate offensive piece after the October 2016 trade. Derby gave the Broncos some short-term receiving value, but he did not become a long-term core player. Denver surrendered a future fifth-round choice, so the direct return was useful without becoming especially valuable in hindsight. That result supports a C+ grade for Denver Broncos.
Denver Broncos Received
- player A.J. Derby
New England Patriots Received
- pick 2017 5th round pick (163rd overall subsequently transferred, Matt Milano )
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
On 2016-10-25, Denver Broncos received A.J. Derby, while New England Patriots received 2017 5th round pick (163rd overall subsequently transferred, Matt Milano). Historical team, transaction, draft, and player records support the package. The comparison credits each club for direct production and draft value it actually controlled after the exchange.
Denver Broncos Return
Denver Broncos received A.J. Derby. Denver received tight end A.J. Derby and used him as an immediate offensive piece after the October 2016 trade. Derby gave the Broncos some short-term receiving value, but he did not become a long-term core player. Denver surrendered a future fifth-round choice, so the direct return was useful without becoming especially valuable in hindsight. That outcome supports a C+ grade. Later draft movement is treated as asset history, not as automatic credit for a player selected by another franchise.
New England Patriots Return
New England Patriots received 2017 5th round pick (163rd overall subsequently transferred, Matt Milano). New England received Denver's 2017 fifth-round choice, No. 163, and later transferred that selection to Buffalo. The pick therefore remained flexible draft capital for the Patriots even though Matt Milano's NFL production belongs to Buffalo, not New England. That asset control, combined with Derby's modest Denver tenure, gives New England the better side of the exchange. That outcome supports a B grade. The same standard applies to direct playing time, retained draft capital, and any clearly documented later transfer of the acquired asset.
Value in Hindsight
Denver's release, New England's draft primer, and NFL reporting all show the direct exchange in the direction of the exchange: Denver acquired tight end A.J. Derby, while New England acquired Denver's 2017 fifth-round choice. The strongest hindsight evidence is the NFL contribution and asset control created by the exchange itself. That keeps the comparison proportional and avoids assigning another club's later player production to the original holder of a moved pick.
Final Verdict
The final call is New England Patriots Win. Denver Broncos earns C+, and New England Patriots earns B. Those grades match the supported package and the relative football value each side realized without overstating the importance of a terminal draft selection.