Denver sent Demaryius Thomas and a 2019 seventh-round pick to…
Denver sent Demaryius Thomas and a 2019 seventh-round pick to Houston for a 2019 fourth-round pick and another seventh-round pick. Houston acquired Demaryius Thomas during an 11-win season, but he played only seven regular-season games for the Texans before an Achilles injury ended his year; the club released him the following February. Denver obtained a fourth-round pick while only exchanging seventh-round positions. For an aging receiver nearing the end of his contract, that return was strong and gives Denver the clear value edge.
Denver Broncos Received
- pick 2019 4th round pick (125th overall subsequently traded, Renell Wren )
- pick 2019 7th round pick (237th overall subsequently traded, Terry Godwin)
Houston Texans Received
- player Demaryius Thomas
- pick 2019 7th round pick (220th overall, Cullen Gillaspia )
Trade Analysis
What Changed Hands
Denver sent Demaryius Thomas and a 2019 seventh-round pick to Houston for a 2019 fourth-round pick and another seventh-round pick. Houston had lost Will Fuller and needed receiver help for a playoff push, while Denver was 3-5 and beginning to turn snaps toward younger wideouts. The teams also swapped seventh-round positions, making the fourth-round pick the central price. Thomas' short Houston stay makes that mid-round return especially important in hindsight.
Why the Value Moved
Houston acquired Demaryius Thomas during an 11-win season, but he played only seven regular-season games for the Texans before an Achilles injury ended his year; the club released him the following February. Denver obtained a fourth-round pick while only exchanging seventh-round positions. For an aging receiver nearing the end of his contract, that return was strong and gives Denver the clear value edge.
How the Trade Aged
The trade aged in favor of Denver Broncos because the most meaningful contribution came from that side of the exchange. The original draft-slot gap was only part of the equation; durability, starting value, postseason usefulness and any follow-on value matter more once the careers are known. The losing side still received something useful in most cases here, but not enough to erase the difference in realized impact.
Why This Trade Still Matters
This trade is a useful reminder that draft charts and announcement-day reactions cannot settle a verdict. A move up can be justified when the targeted player becomes a long-term starter, while a move down can win when extra selections create more total contribution. The fairest historical view follows what the clubs actually received and how long that value lasted.
Final Verdict
Denver Broncos Win. The grades are Denver Broncos B, Houston Texans C. The winning grade reflects the stronger realized football return, while the lower mark recognizes that the other club still acted within a defensible roster or draft strategy at the time.