Trade for Guard Urged for the Denver Broncos

As the Denver Broncos push for a Super Bowl run in 2025, one critical weakness has emerged as a potential dealbreaker: their inconsistent play at the guard position. Despite boasting a top-10 offense and a stingy defense, the Broncos’ interior offensive line has struggled to protect quarterback Bo Nix and create consistent lanes for running back J.K. Dobbins—issues that have been magnified in close losses to playoff-caliber teams like the Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills. Football analysts, former players, and even some Broncos insiders have publicly urged the team to pursue a trade for a proven starting guard before the NFL’s trade deadline, arguing that the position is the final piece needed to turn a good team into a championship contender. With the Broncos sitting at 8-3 and in control of their AFC West destiny, the pressure is on their front office to act decisively. Trade for Guard Urged for the Denver Broncos is a call to address a critical flaw before it derails a promising season.

The Broncos’ guard struggles are most evident in their sack numbers and run-blocking efficiency—two metrics that directly impact the team’s ability to sustain drives and win close games. Through 11 weeks, Denver’s guards have allowed 14 sacks, the third-highest total among NFL guard tandems, and have been penalized 12 times (mostly for holding or false starts). This has forced Nix to rush his throws, leading to a 31% drop in his completion rate on passes thrown under 2.5 seconds (from 72% to 50%) compared to last season. The run game has also suffered: Dobbins averages 4.2 yards per carry when running behind guards, well below his 5.4-yard average when running behind tackles or center. In the Broncos’ Week 9 loss to the Bills, the guards allowed 3 sacks and 5 pressures, disrupting Nix’s rhythm and limiting Dobbins to just 68 rushing yards. Even in wins, the guard play has been inconsistent—against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 10, the guards allowed 2 sacks but also opened up a 30-yard run for Dobbins. This inconsistency is unsustainable against the Broncos’ upcoming schedule, which includes matchups with the Baltimore Ravens (who have 38 sacks) and San Francisco 49ers (who rank second in run defense). Trade for Guard Urged for the Denver Broncos stems from the fact that this position is no longer a minor flaw—it’s a liability that could cost the team a playoff spot.

Another reason analysts are urging a guard trade is the Broncos’ lack of internal solutions, as their current backups and young linemen have failed to step up when given opportunities. The Broncos’ primary backup guard, rookie fifth-round pick Tyler Davis, has played 120 snaps this season and allowed 3 sacks and 4 pressures—numbers that suggest he’s not ready for a full-time role. Veteran backup Ben Powers, who signed a one-year deal in the offseason, has been limited by a knee injury and has only played 45 snaps, with coaches citing “rust” as a concern. The Broncos also tried shifting center Lloyd Cushenberry III to guard in practice, but the experiment was abandoned after he struggled with the position’s footwork and pass-blocking assignments. This lack of depth means the Broncos can’t afford an injury to starting guards Quinn Meinerz or Dalton Risner—both of whom have missed time with minor injuries this season. If either goes down, the Broncos’ offensive line could collapse, derailing their playoff hopes. Unlike other positions (like wide receiver or defensive end), where the Broncos have young talent waiting in the wings, the guard position has no clear internal fix. This scarcity has only amplified calls for a trade. Trade for Guard Urged for the Denver Broncos is a recognition that the team can’t solve this problem with its current roster.

The Denver Broncos’ upcoming schedule further justifies the urgency to trade for a guard, as they face a stretch of games against some of the NFL’s most fearsome defensive lines. After their bye week, the Broncos play the Ravens (Week 13), 49ers (Week 14), and Cleveland Browns (Week 15)—three teams that rank in the top 10 in both sacks and run defense. The Ravens, led by defensive tackle Justin Madubuike (11 sacks), have terrorized opposing guards this season, averaging 3.2 sacks per game against the position. The 49ers, meanwhile, use a rotational defensive line that keeps fresh pass-rushers on the field, making it hard for tired guards to maintain consistency. For the Denver Broncos, winning these games is critical to securing a first-round bye in the playoffs—and doing so will require a guard who can hold his own against elite pass-rushers. A proven guard would not only protect Nix but also open up the run game, allowing the Broncos to control the clock and keep their defense rested. Without a trade, the Broncos risk dropping 2-3 of these games, which could push them into a wild-card spot and force them to play an extra playoff game on the road. Trade for Guard Urged for the Denver Broncos is a response to this make-or-break stretch, as the team needs to strengthen its line to compete with the NFL’s best.

The Denver Broncos also have the salary-cap flexibility and draft capital to make a guard trade feasible—two key factors that analysts have highlighted in their calls for action. The Broncos are projected to have \(14 million in cap space this season, enough to absorb the contract of a mid-tier starting guard (who typically earn \)8–10 million per year). They also have a deep draft pool, with two third-round picks and a fourth-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft—assets that could entice teams looking to rebuild. Potential trade targets include the Arizona Cardinals’ Will Hernandez (a 28-year-old former Pro Bowler who is in the final year of his contract) and the New England Patriots’ Mike Onwenu (a versatile lineman who can play guard or tackle, but has been underutilized in New England’s scheme). Both players are on teams that are out of playoff contention, making them likely trade candidates. The Denver Broncos’ front office has a history of making aggressive midseason trades—they acquired wide receiver Jerry Jeudy in 2023—and insiders say they’re “actively exploring” guard options. Unlike some teams that are constrained by cap or draft picks, the Broncos have the resources to make a deal happen. Trade for Guard Urged for the Denver Broncos is realistic because the team has the means to address the need without sacrificing its long-term future.

Looking ahead, a successful guard trade could be the difference between the Denver Broncos being a playoff team and a Super Bowl contender. A proven guard would stabilize the offensive line, allowing Nix to play with more confidence and Dobbins to regain his elite form. It would also send a message to the locker room that the front office believes in this team’s championship potential—and is willing to invest in it. Conversely, failing to make a trade could lead to more inconsistent offensive performances, missed opportunities, and ultimately, a playoff exit. For a franchise that hasn’t won a Super Bowl since 1998, the stakes couldn’t be higher. The Denver Broncos have a rare opportunity to field a championship-caliber team in 2025, but they need to fix their guard problem first. Analysts, fans, and even some players have made their feelings clear: the time to trade for a guard is now. Trade for Guard Urged for the Denver Broncos is more than just a suggestion—it’s a necessity if the team wants to end its decades-long title drought and bring a Super Bowl back to Denver.