Despite being led by a nine-time Pro Bowl quarterback and a Super Bowl Champion head coach, the Denver Broncos are off to a disappointing 0-3 start. Last Sunday, they hit rock bottom in a historic 20-70 loss to the Miami Dolphins.
Although things look bleak, the Broncos are still far from out of the playoff race. With 14 games remaining and a favorable schedule, the front office can make moves to turn this ship back around.
Let's break down three trades that could save the Broncos season.
Trades that could save the Broncos: 3. EDGE Justin Houston
The front office's first priority needs to be improving the defense. The Broncos are allowing 40.7 points per game, which is on track to be the worst single-season mark since 1921. Their pass rush has underwhelmed, producing only four total sacks (fourth-lowest in the NFL).
Their current depth chart is not devoid of edge rushing talent. Randy Gregory generated 29 pressures in 2021. Nik Bonitto and Jonathon Cooper are young players with upside, but the group could benefit from a proven, veteran option.
Justin Houston has been one of the most prolific pass rushers of the last decade. He is no longer at his All-Pro peak, but he is still a valuable contributor. Last season, he recorded 9.5 sacks and 25 pressures for the Baltimore Ravens.
The Carolina Panthers have gotten off to a 0-3 start. They are rebuilding around rookie quarterback Bryce Young. Houston is on a one-year deal. He will be a free agent this offseason, so trading him could benefit their long-term outlook.
Trades that could save the Broncos: 2. TE Dalton Schultz
Last season, the Broncos' offense faced a lot of scrutiny, and deservedly so, as they finished last in the NFL in points per game (16.9).
This season, they are fine. Through three games, their 23.0 points per game is 15th in the NFL. If the Broncos want to be competitive, adding another playmaker would be wise.
During the offseason, they traded tight end Albert Okwuegbunam to the Philadelphia Eagles. That proved to be a mistake, as starting tight end Greg Dulcich has been sidelined with a hamstring injury. The other three tight ends on the depth chart (Adam Trautman, Chris Manhertz, Nate Adkins) have combined for one reception over the past two games.
Dalton Schultz would be an excellent addition. He was productive for the Dallas Cowboys, hauling in 78 receptions for 808 yards and eight touchdowns in 2021. In free agency, he signed a one-year deal with the Houston Texans. Surprisingly, they have used him sparingly. He is averaging a meager 15.7 yards per game.
In Denver, Schultz can play a larger role and alleviate some of the pressure on Courtland Sutton and Jerry Jeudy. Additionally, the Texans can get some value for the pending free agent, who may not be a big part of their long-term plans.
Trades that could save the Broncos: 1. CB Jaylon Johnson
The Broncos were lit up for 70 points last Sunday. It represented a massive drop-off for the unit, which was elite only a year ago. In 2022, they allowed the fewest opponent points per game through nine games (16.5).
The Week 3 embarrassment is not the only cause for concern, either. In Week 2, the Washington Commanders scored 35 points in a victory over the Broncos. In their two other games, the Commanders combined for 23 total points.
Yes, the defense has fallen off, but the situation is not hopeless. Safety Justin Simmons and defensive end Frank Clark are sidelined due to injuries. Clark is targeting a Week 5 return, while Simmons is listed as questionable for Week 4. Those are two Pro Bowl defenders, who could give this unit a boost soon.
What the Broncos are truly missing is another starting-caliber cornerback. Patrick Surtain II is capable of elite play, but the team is missing a reliable option across from him. When this secondary was thriving in previous seasons, they had proven veteran cornerbacks such as Ronald Darby and Bryce Callahan. Fourth-year cornerback Jaylon Johnson would be a perfect fit.
Johnson became extension eligible in January, but a deal has still not been reached. The Chicago Bears could mirror the Roquan Smith trade by moving Johnson for future draft capital.
This season, Johnson is allowing an opponent passer rating of 57.4 when targeted. The 24-year-old could be a key defensive piece for the franchise for years to come.
