The Denver Broncos' offensive line was dealt a significant blow recently when the team lost starting guard Ben Powers to injury.
Powers is expected to miss significant time after he suffered a torn biceps injury that required surgery and could keep him out at least two months, although it's possible he misses the remainder of the 2025 campaign.
"With a starting player, there's always a -- it's never any good, but the next guy's up and we'll get ready to play him,'' head coach Sean Payton said of Powers' injury.
With the Broncos firmly in the mix for the AFC West and at least a playoff spot, the team needs to do something ahead of the Nov. 4 trade deadline.
The Sporting News' Vinnie Iyer has a logical suggestion. He proposes a trade with the Cleveland Browns that would add veteran guard Joel Bitonio to Denver's offensive line.
"The Browns' long-time star left guard is also unsigned beyond this season. They need some guard help with Ben Powers out with a biceps injury," Iyer said of the Broncos. "Bitonio would be a welcome plug and play to make Denver stronger up front for both Bo Nix and the power running game."
The Browns have already made three trades this season and more are likely on the way with the team sitting at 1-5. Trading Bitonio makes sense with the veteran scheduled to be a free agent in 2026.
Bitonio has been one of the best guards in the NFL for years now, as evidenced by his seven straight Pro Bowls and five career All-Pro nods.
In 2025, Bitonio, 34, is still playing at a high level with Pro Football Focus grades of 72.2 in run-blocking and 69.0 in pass-blocking. Bitonio has yet to allow a sack and has only surrendered nine pressures.
Filling the void left by Powers' injury will be extremely difficult to do, but Bitonio is a player who could definitely get it done.
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