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The Denver Broncos have traded defensive end Christian Covington to the Cincinnati Bengals in exchange for linebacker Austin Calitro, according to ESPN's Diana Russini:
The Bengals are trading Austin Calitro for Denver’s Christian Covington per source.
— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) September 4, 2020
The linebacker corps in Denver has been one of the biggest question marks on this roster in recent years. Although the edge tandem of Von Miller and Bradley Chubb make for an ideal fit in defensive coordinator Vic Fangio's scheme, there is still some concern regarding this group's ability to cover running backs and tight ends in the passing game.
Calitro is a former undrafted free agent that made his bones on multiple practice squads before settling in with the Seattle Seahawks for the 2018 campaign. He spent last season withe the Jacksonville Jaguars and recorded 39 tackles, a sack, and a pass breakup before he was released and picked up off waivers by the Bengals this offseason.
It is safe to say that Fangio is hoping that Calitro can provide some much-needed depth on the inside, especially when it comes to pass coverage. The Broncos are still waiting for linebacker Todd Davis to make his return from a calf injury with the start of the 2020 NFL season just over a week away. This leaves Alexander Johnson as the only healthy, clear-cut starter for the opener and it is safe to say that both players are lackluster in defending the pass.
Meanwhile, the Bengals are hoping that Covington can provide some much-needed depth along the defensive line. He is coming off a modest 2019 campaign that saw him register 28 tackles, a sack, and three QB hits with the Dallas Cowboys.
