Maroney Headed to Denver Broncos

Wait, what? After a long preseason where Bill Belichick constantly assured the media (indirectly, of course) that nothing was wrong with running back Laurence Maroney and hinted at the fact that he was just getting some rest, the news breaks today that the Denver Broncos have acquired the Patriots former #1 halfback. The return package coming from Denver to New England has not yet been announced, but it is now for certain that Fred Taylor tops the Patriots depth chart at the running back position. Veterans Sammy Morris and Kevin Faulk are also in the mix, as well as Ben-Jarvis Green-Ellis.

It's a move that is confusing but not so confusing in the end. Maroney's time here was stunted with inconsistency just about every season, whether it was due to injury or play-calling or ineffectiveness. He just never blossomed into the back we thought he'd be. Now Josh McDaniels can have fun with him. Still, though, giving up hope on Maroney might hint at something bigger. I mentioned it during the preseason. We have the Oakland Raiders' first round pick this season. That could be a clutch pick. I'm talking top-5, almost assuredly top-10. Might we take a running back with either that selection or our own first round selection? It's still a ways away, but with Maroney gone, it's certainly a possibility.

Update -- Sources say that the remaining pieces in the deal were New England getting Denver's 4th round pick in 2011 while the Broncos get the Patriots' 6th round pick in that same draft. Long story short, the Patriots give Laurence Maroney to move up 2 rounds with one of their draft selections for next year.