Trade Targets Sought by the Denver Broncos

As the 2025 NFL trade deadline approaches, the Denver Broncos are focusing on strategic trade targets that address key roster gaps—specifically, positions that could turn their playoff-contending potential into tangible success. Under Sean Payton, the Broncos have built a strong foundation with a revamped backfield and offensive line, but they still lack depth and playmaking in critical areas: wide receiver, edge rusher, and interior defensive line. These targets aren’t just “luxury additions”; they’re players who can fix weaknesses that have held the Broncos back in close games—like inconsistent pass production or a pass rush that struggles to pressure quarterbacks without blitzing. Trade Targets Sought by the Denver Broncos thus breaks down which positions the Broncos are prioritizing, why certain players fit their scheme, and how these trades could shape their 2025 season.

The Broncos’ top trade priority is a No. 2 wide receiver to complement star Courtland Sutton, as their current depth chart lacks a consistent playmaker who can stretch the field and take pressure off Sutton. In 2024, the Broncos ranked 24th in passing yards per game, with Sutton drawing double teams on 38% of his routes—limiting his production and forcing Russell Wilson to target less reliable options. A prime trade candidate here is Michael Pittman Jr. of the Indianapolis Colts, who has one year left on his contract and has expressed frustration with the Colts’ rebuilding phase. Pittman, a 6’4” possession receiver with 1,000-yard seasons in 2022 and 2023, excels at winning contested catches and would thrive in Payton’s offense, which uses big-bodied receivers in red-zone and play-action concepts. The Broncos could offer a second-round pick and a conditional 2026 pick to the Colts, who are likely willing to part with Pittman to accumulate draft capital for their rebuild. “We need someone who can step in and be a consistent target,” said Broncos general manager George Paton. “A receiver like Pittman would open up our offense for Javonte [Williams] and Courtland.” Trade Targets Sought by the Denver Broncos thus frames a No. 2 receiver as the most urgent addition to unlock the passing game.

Another critical trade target for the Broncos is an edge rusher to boost their pass rush, which has struggled to generate pressure without blitzing (ranking 21st in sacks in 2024). While Nik Bonitto has shown promise (8 sacks in 2024), the Broncos lack a reliable second edge rusher, forcing defensive coordinator Vance Joseph to use linebackers in blitz packages—leaving the secondary vulnerable to big plays. A realistic target here is Brian Burns of the Carolina Panthers, who has been linked to trade rumors since the Panthers hired a new coaching staff focused on rebuilding. Burns, a four-time Pro Bowler with 46.5 career sacks, fits Joseph’s scheme perfectly: he can play both standing edge and hand-in-the-dirt defensive end, and his ability to win one-on-one matchups would reduce the need for blitzes. The Broncos would likely need to part with a first-round pick and a third-round pick to acquire Burns, but his contract (four years remaining) makes him a long-term investment, not just a rental. “Edge rushers who can consistently get to the quarterback are rare,” Joseph said. “Adding someone like Brian would change our entire defense—we could be more aggressive in coverage and still pressure the passer.” Trade Targets Sought by the Denver Broncos thus highlights how an edge rusher would fix a foundational defensive flaw.

The Denver Broncos are also targeting an interior defensive lineman to strengthen their run defense, which has been inconsistent against top rushing teams (allowing 130+ yards to the Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills in 2024). While D.J. Jones is a solid starter at nose tackle, the Broncos lack depth behind him—especially a player who can both stop the run and generate interior pass rush. A top candidate here is Jeffery Simmons of the Tennessee Titans, who has become expendable after the Titans signed a new defensive tackle in free agency and are shifting to a 3-4 scheme (which doesn’t fit Simmons’ 4-3 three-technique role). Simmons, a two-time Pro Bowler with 23.5 career sacks and 80 tackles for loss, would immediately upgrade the Broncos’ interior: he can plug run gaps against teams like the Chiefs (who rely on Isiah Pacheco) and collapse the pocket on passing downs. The Denver Broncos could offer a second-round pick and a veteran linebacker to the Titans, who are looking to rebuild and may value draft capital over a player in a mismatched scheme. “Our run defense needs to be more consistent if we want to win in the AFC West,” said Broncos defensive line coach Marcus Dixon. “Jeffery would give us that anchor in the middle—someone who can stop the run and push the pocket on third down.” Trade Targets Sought by the Denver Broncos thus underscores how an interior lineman would shore up a defensive weakness that’s cost them divisional games.

The Denver Broncos are also exploring trade targets for a backup quarterback—a position that became a priority after backup Jarrett Stidham suffered a knee injury in Week 6. While Wilson has been durable (starting all 17 games in 2024), the Broncos lack a reliable No. 2 who can run Payton’s offense if Wilson gets hurt. A logical target here is Gardner Minshew of the Philadelphia Eagles, who is in the final year of his contract and has proven he can win games as a starter (19-16 career record). Minshew’s experience in a West Coast offense (similar to Payton’s scheme) and his ability to make plays with his legs would make him a seamless fit. The Denver Broncos could acquire Minshew for a late-round pick (fourth or fifth round), as the Eagles have a stable starter in Jalen Hurts and may be willing to move Minshew to free up a roster spot. “Having a backup quarterback you trust is non-negotiable in the NFL,” Payton said. “Gardner has shown he can step in and lead a team—he knows how to read defenses, make quick decisions, and execute the plays we run. That peace of mind is invaluable.” Trade Targets Sought by the Denver Broncos thus shows how a backup QB, while not a “sexy” target, is critical for sustained playoff contention.

Finally, the Denver Broncos are considering trade targets for depth at tight end, as injuries to Greg Dulcich and Adam Trautman have left them thin at a position Payton uses heavily in both run blocking and passing. A potential candidate here is Dalton Schultz of the Houston Texans, who has experience in Payton’s scheme (from his time with the Dallas Cowboys, where he played under a Payton disciple) and can contribute as both a blocker and a pass catcher (57 catches for 597 yards in 2024). The Broncos could acquire Schultz for a late-round pick, as the Texans have a young tight end corps and may be willing to part with Schultz to get draft capital. Adding Schultz would let the Broncos use more two-tight end sets—critical for Payton’s power run scheme and red-zone playcalling—without sacrificing pass-catching ability. “Tight ends are Swiss Army knives in our offense—they block, they catch, they create mismatches,” said Broncos offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi. “Dalton knows how we operate, and he’d fit right in. Having that depth would let us be more flexible with our playcalling.” The Denver Broncos’ focus on tight end depth reflects Payton’s attention to detail—ensuring no position group becomes a liability due to injury. Trade Targets Sought by the Denver Broncos thus concludes by emphasizing that these targets aren’t just about winning now; they’re about building a roster that can compete for championships, with depth and playmaking at every key position.