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Vernon Davis trade: Chiefs can spoil Broncos new TE's first game in Denver

Bob Stanton-USA TODAY Sports

The Denver Broncos traded for TE Vernon Davis from the San Francisco 49ers on Monday and that's not great news for the Kansas City Chiefs. Davis is 31 years old but he's still an option in the passing game and he makes the already unbeaten Broncos better.

If Davis doesn't play this weekend -- I haven't heard for sure either way if he will -- then the Chiefs would be the first team to see him in Denver because the Broncos are on the road this week and the Chiefs visit the Broncos in Week 10. I'm curious to see what Davis has left, and whether the Chiefs can spoil his first game at Mile High / Invesco / Sports Authority / whatever corporate name for the stadium they have this week.

The cost of the trade was minimal. The Broncos and 49ers are swapping sixth and seventh round picks in 2016 and the 49ers will get Denver's sixth round pick in 2017. That doesn't seem like much, and it's really not.

However, remember that this trade is for only half a season. Davis is 31 years old and there were rumors that the 49ers could cut him after last season. He had just 245 yards receiving last year, and this year has 18 catches for 194 yards. He hasn't scored a touchdown since Week 1 of the 2014 season. He has taken a step back in his blocking abilities. This isn't the same old Vernon Davis.

That said, this makes it clear as day that the Broncos view this as a Super Bowl or bust year. Peyton Manning's performance this year makes it a decent bet that this will be his last year and the Broncos are going all out to finish it on top. I can't wait to see their January heartbreak this year.

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