Broncos Unlikely To Make Big Deadline Moves

Buyer trades have not been central to Payton’s cause in-season, though the Broncos have certainly traded high draft capital — via the moves for Russell Wilson, Payton’s rights and Jaylen Waddle — during offseasons. They have explored the Jonathan Taylor market, and they are believed to have asked the Cardinals about Colorado native Trey McBride’s availability. Arizona rebuffed the AFC West franchise’s interest in McBride, who grew up a Broncos fan. As it stands Monday morning, the Broncos are not viewed as a team likely to make a major addition by Tuesday’s deadline.

“I mean, that’s impossible to predict,” Payton said of the deadline, via The Athletic’s Nick Kosmider. “We’ll discuss what’s out there, and I think we’ll see what happens, but I like this team. There’s room for us to get better, but I like this team a lot. We just got to take advantage of the position we’re sitting in right now.”

The Jaguars have already made a big splash by acquiring Jessie Bates from the Falcons, and the Bills and Chiefs have been closely connected to moves bolstering either their receiving corps (Kansas City) or defense (Buffalo). The Steelers have also been eyeing receiver and cornerback help. Would the Broncos stand down if they see a host of moves from AFC contenders?

Denver has plenty of evidence to suggest its current group is capable of pushing for a Super Bowl berth. After all, Payton’s team went 14-3 and may well have been a Bo Nix injury away from Super Bowl LX. But the Broncos still rank 20th in points and 30th in total offense. EPA per play is a bit more generous, slotting Denver 18th after the season started against a tough schedule. Reason for optimism exists, and the Broncos should sport a healthier defense coming out of their Week 10 bye.

As far as potential additions go, Kosmider mentions a receiving tight end or interior offensive line depth as possible augmentation routes. Receiving tight ends are obviously rather hard to come by at the deadline, but the team has not seen much from Evan Engram this season. Denver was connected to Dallas Goedert in the offseason and recently, however.

The Broncos were viewed as unlikely to pay the Colts’ high asking price for Taylor — who may well stay in Indianapolis due to the lofty price — and their aging roster could use replenishments via the draft. After trading seven first- or second-round picks since 2022, Denver should not be expected to unload high picks by the 3pm CT deadline tomorrow.