Minnesota acquired quarterback Trevor Siemian and the 225th…
Minnesota acquired quarterback Trevor Siemian and the 225th pick in the 2018 draft from Denver for a 2019 fifth-round selection. Siemian served as Kirk Cousins' backup for one season and did not make a regular-season start for the Vikings. Denver eventually used the fifth-round return on linebacker Justin Hollins, who appeared in 15 games as a rookie. The Broncos gained the slightly cleaner direct return.
Denver Broncos Received
- pick 2019 5th round pick (156th overall, Justin Hollins)
Minnesota Vikings Received
- player Trevor Siemian
- pick 2018 7th round pick (225th overall, Devante Downs )
Trade Analysis
What Changed Hands
Minnesota acquired Trevor Siemian and pick No. 225 in the 2018 draft from Denver, sending the Broncos a fifth-round pick in 2019. The Vikings ultimately used No. 225 on linebacker Devante Downs. Denver's future fifth became No. 156 and was used on edge defender Justin Hollins. The trade gave Minnesota an experienced backup quarterback as it transitioned to Kirk Cousins and gave Denver future draft capital after moving on at the position.
Why Denver Pulled Slightly Ahead
Siemian filled the role Minnesota needed, but the Vikings never had to lean on him for an extended regular-season stretch. He spent one season behind Cousins and did not produce the kind of emergency starts that would have made the acquisition especially valuable. Downs also had only a limited Vikings role. Denver, meanwhile, got rookie-season snaps from Hollins, who appeared in 15 games and contributed as a rotational defender before the Broncos waived him the following year. That is not a major return, but it is a direct football payoff from the acquired fifth-round choice.
How the Trade Aged
The margin should remain small. Minnesota was purchasing quarterback insurance, and backup value is partly about being prepared even if the starter stays healthy. Siemian gave the Vikings a credible veteran option at a reasonable cost, while the seventh-round pick added another prospect. Denver converted a player outside its plans into a Day 3 selection and got some defensive use from that choice. Neither side found a long-term cornerstone.
Final Verdict
Denver earns a B- and Minnesota a C+. Hollins' direct contribution gives the Broncos the better realized return, but this is a narrow win rather than a decisive one. Minnesota filled an important roster need without paying a premium, while Denver extracted modest draft value from a quarterback it was ready to move. Denver Broncos Win.