Denver acquired linebacker Jonas Griffith and a 2022…
Denver acquired linebacker Jonas Griffith and a 2022 seventh-round pick from San Francisco for a 2022 sixth-rounder and a 2023 seventh-rounder. Griffith became a useful short-term starter, appearing in 22 games with 12 starts for the Broncos before injuries interrupted his momentum. San Francisco retained usable draft value, but Denver received the most immediate NFL contribution, producing a modest Broncos edge.
Denver Broncos Received
- player Jonas Griffith
- pick 2022 7th round pick (250th overall subsequently traded, Brittain Brown )
San Francisco 49ers Received
- pick 2022 6th round pick (187th overall, Nick Zakelj )
- pick 2023 7th round pick (222nd overall subsequently traded, DeWayne McBride )
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
At the end of the 2021 preseason, Denver acquired linebacker Jonas Griffith and San Francisco's 2022 seventh-round choice. The 49ers received Denver's 2022 sixth-round pick and a 2023 seventh-rounder. It was a classic roster-cut trade: Denver paid modest future capital for a player it believed could fill an immediate defensive role, while San Francisco turned depth into draft assets.
Denver Broncos Return
Griffith gave Denver real defensive snaps quickly. Across 2021 and 2022 he appeared in 22 games and started 12, providing 92 combined tackles by the league's gamebook accounting and showing enough range to earn a larger role. Injuries prevented the acquisition from developing into a longer-term answer, which caps the grade. Denver also received the 2022 seventh-round pick, adding another piece of draft flexibility to the transaction.
San Francisco 49ers Return
The most concrete San Francisco return was the 2022 sixth-round selection used on offensive lineman Nick Zakelj. He became depth for a strong 49ers roster rather than an immediate full-time starter. The 2023 seventh-round component also preserved additional draft value for San Francisco, though the late-round nature of both choices kept the upside modest. The 49ers successfully monetized a player who was unlikely to make their initial roster.
Value in Hindsight
This is not a major victory for either side. San Francisco executed sensible asset management, and Denver received only two seasons of meaningful Griffith contribution. Still, 12 starts from a low-cost linebacker is tangible value, particularly when Denver also received a late pick in the exchange.
Final Verdict
Denver gets a C+ and San Francisco a C. The Broncos win narrowly because Griffith provided actual starting production at a manageable price. The 49ers' return was reasonable and preserved draft capital, so the margin should remain small.