The Denver Broncos are projected to be approximately $30 million over the expected salary cap in 2024. Denver's 10 big-money earners on the roster are a big reason for this.
The earnings of these players will add up to $185 million in cap space, or 76% of the cap. As a result, the Broncos can't be big spenders in free agency as they were the previous year.
Let’s face it: The Broncos need help at just about every position on the roster. The two most obvious and urgent positions of need are quarterback and edge rusher. However, the secondary also needs attention.
According to Bleacher Report, the Broncos should consider trading wide receiver Jerry Jeudy for Carolina Panthers cornerback Jaycee Horn. Below is B/R's rationale:
“Jaycee Horn was picked just one slot ahead of Patrick Surtain II in the 2021 NFL draft. However, their careers have diverged drastically since then. Surtain has established himself as a premier talent while Horn has struggled with injuries and faces an uncertain future heading into the fourth year of his rookie contract. The Broncos don’t have the money to take on huge contracts in trades, so targeting struggling players on rookie contracts makes sense.”
B/R also recommends a trade scenario for both teams:
Broncos receive:
- Jaycee Horn
- 2025 fourth-round pick
Panthers receive:
- Jerry Jeudy
Horn is on the last year of a four-year, $21.1 million contract. Jeudy is on his fifth-year option set to earn $12.987M.
Jeudy’s time in Denver is more than likely up, and it would serve the Broncos well to get as much value for him as they can. But Horn may not be the best option in return.
Although Horn’s career stats are solid (85 total tackles and four interceptions), his injury history is very concerning. He missed most of his rookie year with a foot injury and was limited this past season with a hamstring.
History does not bode well for the Broncos when it comes to pursuing injury-prone players. While Horn may fit the bill of a prototypical cornerback, the best ability is availability.
There are many other reliable free-agent and draft options who can contribute to combatting the heavy passing attack in the AFC West.
More must-reads: