The Denver Broncos are riding high, having won each of their last six games. The team faces a short week this week, hosting the Las Vegas Raiders on Thursday night but first, the team will need to navigate through the NFL trade deadline.
Will the Broncos be buyers or will they be willing to just stand pat? As a true contender in the AFC, the team should look at making some moves ahead of the deadline, set for Tuesday at 2:00 PM Mountain time.
The Broncos have some holes they could fill and they could swarm to some of the teams who look like they won't make the playoffs this season, looking to take one of their key players at an affordable rate. Here are some ideas for the front office to consider.
Moves Denver Broncos should consider ahead of NFL trade deadline
Broncos acquire Jaylen Waddle from Miami Dolphins
If any team in the league looks primed for the proverbial "fire sale", it's the Dolphins. The team is a true mess right now and have already moved on from general manager Chris Grier. While head coach Mike McDaniel is likely to finish out the season, the team has already started making moves, sending Jaelan Phillips to the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday.
The Dolphins could be inclined to move fifth-year wide receiver Jaylen Waddle.
Waddle, the No. 6 overall pick in the 2021 draft, has enjoyed a solid career in Miami. He signed a three-year extension with the team in May 2024 and likely would not be handed over easily, but the Broncos need another playmaker at the wide receiver position and could give Bo Nix one of the league's fastest options at the position.
Trade proposal
Broncos receive: WR Jaylen Waddle
Dolphins receive: 2026 3rd-round pick
Broncos add Cesar Ruiz to bolster offensive line depth
The Broncos have faired well in the injury department this season, but two big injuries could test their overall strength as they hope to make a deep playoff run.
One of those is starting cornerback and reigning DPOY, Pat Surtain II. Surtain was not placed on injured reserve, so the team hopes to have him back on the field soon. Starting guard Ben Powers is also expected back at some point this season, but the Broncos could use another option there.
Alex Palczewski has taken over after Matt Peart suffered a knee injury in his only start at guard. The team brought Calvin Throckmorton up from the practice squad to provide more depth, but Cesar Ruiz could be a great option for the team until... And perhaps even after, Powers gets back.
Ruiz was the New Orleans Saints' first-round pick in 2020. He has made 77 starts in his career and still just 26 years old, could be much more than just a rental for part of a season.
Trade proposal:
Broncos receive: OG Cesar Ruiz
Saints receive: 2026 4th-round pick
Broncos go to the Saints for defensive help
There are those who feel the Broncos' biggest need at the trade deadline is at the tight end position, but when the team can't figure out how to get Evan Engram involved, it doesn't seem sensible to add another tight end into the mix. Instead, inside linebacker may be a place to look.
Dre Greenlaw has provided an instant impact to the team, but Alex Singleton is leaving much to be desired, particularly in pass coverage. The Broncos could use another option at the position as Justin Strnad and Karene Reid are the only other ILBs on the 53-man roster.
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The Saints' Demario Davis could be the answer. A former player under Sean Payton, Davis is one of the league's best players the inside linebacker position. He is older now at 36, but the Broncos could put him in a rotation with Greenlaw and Singleton and that could give the team three veteran options to use situationally.
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