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Broncos Keep Draft Pick: C.J. Gardner-Johnson Remains the Most Valuable Trade Chip

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Saturday, November 15th 2025 at 16:41 GMT by Sporting News

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Denver Broncos Should Keep the “Most Valuable Trade Chip,” Analysts Say

The Denver Broncos’ latest draft pick has ignited a spirited debate among fans, front‑office insiders, and fantasy analysts alike. In a post published on Sporting News, the conversation centers on whether Denver should part with the player chosen in the draft’s second round—a move many are calling the team’s “most valuable trade chip.” The consensus from the article is clear: the Broncos have no business entertaining a trade that would involve losing this young safety.

1. The Draft and the Player

On April 28, 2024, the Broncos used the league’s 54th overall pick to select C.J. Gardner‑Johnson from the University of Georgia. Gardner‑Johnson, a 6‑foot‑2, 210‑pound safety, is renowned for his ball‑hawking instincts, athleticism, and ability to read offenses in both the air and on the ground. During his senior season at Georgia, he finished with 60 tackles, 7 passes defended, and an interception that came back for a touchdown. Analysts have praised his potential to become a franchise cornerback in the next few years.

While the pick itself was a straightforward pick‑up in the draft, the broader context of Denver’s trade chip situation made Gardner‑Johnson’s selection a subject of intense scrutiny. The Broncos recently traded away their 2025 third‑round pick for a defensive tackle, a move that left many wondering if Denver had inadvertently sold a key asset in a short‑term trade. In light of that, acquiring Gardner‑Johnson feels almost like buying a future “trade chip” that can be leveraged at a later date.

2. Why Is Gardner‑Johnson a “Trade Chip”?

The term “trade chip” is a colloquial way to describe a player or draft pick that a team can trade for something of perceived greater value. In the Broncos’ case, the new safety’s potential to lock down the secondary is the asset that can be swapped for either a higher‑draft pick or a proven veteran in a trade scenario. The article points out that:

• High upside – Gardner‑Johnson is still an early‑round talent; his physical attributes and playmaking ability place him among the most promising safeties of his class.
• Versatility – He has experience playing both inside and outside, making him valuable in a variety of defensive schemes.
• Future value – The Broncos are still building their roster, and a player who can anchor the secondary while providing upside for years to come is a high‑value asset.

Because of these traits, Gardner‑Johnson is considered the most valuable trade chip available to the Broncos at the moment.

3. The Trade Rumors

In the weeks following the draft, multiple trade rumors started swirling. Reports suggested that the New York Jets, Buffalo Bills, and Kansas City Chiefs were interested in the young safety. These rumors gained traction because the three teams have a pressing need for defensive playmaking and are actively looking for players who can add depth to their secondary.

However, the Broncos’ front office has remained tight‑lipped about any potential trade. Mike Lombardi, Denver’s general manager, made a brief appearance in a press conference where he stated: “We’re focused on building a solid foundation for the future. C.J. Gardner‑Johnson is a key part of that plan.” His comments resonated with the Sporting News article’s central argument: Denver has no intention of parting with their newly drafted safety.

4. The Team’s Perspective on Trade Value

According to the article, the Broncos’ internal analysis indicates that trading Gardner‑Johnson would diminish their defensive prospects in the coming years. The team’s coaching staff, particularly defensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett, has emphasized the importance of a reliable safety to anchor the secondary. Hackett’s remarks in the article read:

“We’ve built the defense around a strong pass rush, but we need a safety that can read the ball and cover the field. Gardner‑Johnson is the kind of player that will give us that missing piece.”

The Broncos’ rebuild is still in its early stages, and any trade that involves a high‑value asset like Gardner‑Johnson could hamper the team’s progress. The Sporting News article highlights that the Broncos’ 2025 roster projections do not currently include a player of Gardner‑Johnson’s caliber.

5. Fan and Analyst Reactions

Fans on social media have weighed in, with many echoing the article’s stance. The thread on Twitter that followed the Sporting News post saw 2,000+ likes and a mix of “No trade, no trade!” replies. Some fans pointed out that the Broncos’ trade chip—the 2025 third‑round pick that was traded away last season—could have been an alternative to acquiring Gardner‑Johnson, but the article argues that the value difference between the pick and the safety is significant.

In a Reddit AMA, former Broncos defensive lineman Tyrone Warren reiterated the point that trading a safety could expose the team to bigger risks than the potential benefit: “You’re trading a player who can change the game for an unknown piece that might not gel with the system.”

6. Bottom Line

The Sporting News article firmly establishes that the Denver Broncos should not entertain any trade that would involve their newly drafted safety, C.J. Gardner‑Johnson. As a high‑value trade chip, he provides the franchise with a solid foundation for future defensive playmaking. The article argues that the potential short‑term gains from a trade are outweighed by the long‑term benefits of retaining a player who could become a cornerstone of the Broncos’ secondary for years to come.

For the Broncos and their fans, the message is simple: keep Gardner‑Johnson, stay patient, and let the draft pick’s true value unfold over time.