Atlanta acquired Ty Sambrailo for a 2018 fifth-round pick and…
Atlanta acquired Ty Sambrailo for a 2018 fifth-round pick and received enough utility to sign him to a three-year extension in 2019. Denver recovered No. 163 overall and later used that selection as part of the package for Su’a Cravens rather than making the pick itself. Both clubs turned an expendable asset into practical roster value, making the exchange much closer to even than the original Denver-win grade suggested.
Atlanta Falcons Received
- player Ty Sambrailo
Denver Broncos Received
- pick 2018 5th round pick (163rd overall subsequently traded, Tim Settle )
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
On September 1, 2017, Atlanta sent a 2018 fifth-round pick to Denver for offensive lineman Ty Sambrailo. Both teams announced the terms. The pick became No. 163 in the 2018 draft, and transaction records show Denver later included that selection in the package used to acquire safety Su’a Cravens. That means Denver obtained movable draft capital rather than directly selecting the player associated with No. 163.
Atlanta Falcons Return
Atlanta acquired an experienced, versatile offensive lineman who became more than a one-season rental. Sambrailo supplied depth at tackle and guard, started games for the Falcons, and by February 2019 had done enough for Atlanta to agree to a three-year extension. The original fifth-round cost was not trivial, but the Falcons converted it into multiple seasons of usable offensive-line depth and retained the player beyond his first contract window.
Denver Broncos Return
Denver moved a former second-rounder who had struggled with injuries and recovered a fifth-round pick. No. 163 later became part of Denver’s March 2018 trade package with Washington for Su’a Cravens, so the Broncos retained flexibility and extracted value from a player who was no longer central to their line plans. It is important not to credit Denver directly with Tim Settle, because Denver traded the pick before Washington made that selection.
Value in Hindsight
Each team accomplished a reasonable roster objective. Atlanta paid mid-Day 3 capital and received a lineman who stayed long enough to earn an extension. Denver recovered useful draft currency for a former high pick whose role had diminished and then used that currency in another transaction. Neither outcome overwhelms the other, and both clubs extracted legitimate value from an asset they were willing to move.
Final Verdict
This is an even trade. Atlanta earns a B- for receiving multi-season line depth at a fair fifth-round cost. Denver also earns a B- for recovering flexible draft capital and later deploying No. 163 in another trade rather than losing Sambrailo for nothing.