Denver acquired linebacker Kenny Young and a 2024…
Denver acquired linebacker Kenny Young and a 2024 seventh-round pick from the Rams for a 2024 sixth-rounder during the 2021 season. Young immediately stepped into Denver's lineup and supplied short-term starting help, while Los Angeles improved its future draft position and opened snaps for other linebackers during a Super Bowl run. Neither side created a major long-term advantage, making the exchange a sensible even trade.
Denver Broncos Received
- player Kenny Young
- pick 2024 7th round pick (239th overall subsequently traded, Josiah Ezirim )
Los Angeles Rams Received
- pick 2024 6th round pick (189th overall subsequently traded, Mekhi Wingo )
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
In October 2021, Denver acquired inside linebacker Kenny Young from the Los Angeles Rams along with a 2024 seventh-round selection. The Rams received Denver's 2024 sixth-round pick. It was effectively a veteran-for-draft-position trade, with Los Angeles moving up one round in a future draft while Denver acquired an experienced defender during the season.
Denver Broncos Return
Young addressed an immediate need in an injury-affected linebacker group. He stepped into the lineup and provided useful snaps for the remainder of 2021 rather than requiring developmental time. Denver also received the seventh-round choice, reducing the net draft cost. The limitation is that Young's Broncos tenure did not extend into a long-term role, so the value was concentrated in one partial season.
Los Angeles Rams Return
The Rams converted a player they were willing to move into a sixth-round selection and gave up only a seventh in the process. That was efficient asset management for a contender, and Los Angeles continued through the season without Young before winning Super Bowl LVI. The sixth-round choice later remained part of the club's broader draft-capital chain, giving the transaction value beyond a simple salary or roster-space move.
Value in Hindsight
Denver received immediate starting help, exactly what an in-season acquisition is supposed to provide. Los Angeles improved its future draft position without harming its championship outcome. Neither return became a premium long-term asset, and the one-round pick difference was too small to overwhelm Young's short-term contribution.
Final Verdict
Both teams receive B- grades and the verdict is Even Trade. Denver solved a present need at low cost; the Rams converted a movable veteran into better future capital. The transaction worked as intended on both sides.