The writing has been on the wall for a while, but the Aqib Talib era is officially over in Denver. The Broncos have sent Talib to the Los Angeles Rams in exchange for a fifth-round draft pick.

Rams are expected to trade a 2018 fifth-round pick to Broncos for CB Aqib Talib, per source. https://t.co/y5eQAfOErx

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 9, 2018

Denver Broncos Trade Aqib Talib to the Los Angeles Rams

Talib has been one of the best cornerbacks in the league over the past few seasons. The Kansas product is one of the toughest corners in the league, and specializes at taking away the opposing team’s top receiver with his hard-nosed, physical play.

Talib was selected in the first round of the 2008 NFL Draft by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. After spending most of his rookie year as the third cornerback, Talib became a regular starter in 2009. While he wasn’t the player that he is now, he was still a solid starting corner.

Midway through the 2012 season, Talib was traded to the New England Patriots for a fourth-round pick in the 2013 draft. He recorded a pick-six in his Patriot debut and was a solidifying presence in the Patriots secondary. Talib impressed the Patriots enough in 2012 to earn a one-year, five million dollar deal.

Talib used 2013 to prove that he was one of the top cornerbacks in football. While he has always been good, he brought his play to an elite level. There were several highlights of his 2013 campaign, including sealing a Sunday Night Football win against the Atlanta Falcons and holding New Orleans Saints tight end Jimmy Graham catchless.

The Patriots tried to re-sign Talib in the off-season, but the Denver Broncos ultimately outbid them. Talib quickly wiped away any worries about 2013 being a career year, as his Broncos tenure picked up right where his New England tenure left off. Talib has made the Pro Bowl every season since joining Denver, and received First-Team All-Pro honors in 2016.

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