The Denver Broncos were looking to put a disastrous 2022 season behind them, as they finished 5-12 and were without their own first-round pick due to their trade acquisition of quarterback Russell Wilson. Feeling that they needed a veteran head coach who was a proven winner, they did some maneuvering and brought in Sean Payton out of retirement following a trade with the New Orleans Saints. Even though Payton has success with developing top-tier offenses, he did have his work cut out for him, such as getting Wilson back to form.
So far, the Broncos are 0-3 to start the year. Their latest loss took place on Sunday in the form of a 70-20 loss to the Miami Dolphins. Yes, you read that correctly. 70-20.
Following this game, the Broncos are now in prime contention to land the No. 1 overall pick, which would give them the right to select USC quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams. While the Broncos could hypothetically turn things around, let's not forget that the AFC is a gauntlet. With that in mind, Denver could decide that a fire sale could be the best approach.
If that's the direction the Broncos so choose, here are some players they should look to trade.
Broncos to trade after disastrous start, No. 3: WR Courtland Sutton
What is one position that NFL teams look to bolster just before the playoffs? That's right, wide receiver, especially for those top-tier teams that are looking to give their quarterbacks as many weapons as possible. For those looking for a deep threat and red zone target, Courtland Sutton could be a fit for them.
Sutton stands at 6-foot-4 and weighs 216 pounds, so he's a big-bodied receiver that can fight for catches when lined up against defensive backs. Perhaps what works in the Broncos' favor is that they could get a decent return, as he is under contract for two more seasons.
Through the first three games of the season, Sutton recorded 17 receptions for 189 yards and two touchdowns on 23 targets.
Having a player that is a position of need and is under control for multiple seasons? That could result in a good enough return for the Broncos.
Broncos to trade after disastrous start, No. 2: S Justin Simmons
Now, let's shift over to the defense. While yes, trading cornerback Pat Surtain II would net the Denver Broncos a gigantic return, that seems unfeasible for them. Why move on from easily your best cornerback on the roster? Because finding a top-tier cornerback in the NFL is extremely difficult.
So, we pivot to another player in the defensive backfield -- safety Justin Simmons.
Simmons has shown to be one of the top safeties in the league. While the position didn't exactly see lucrative contracts signed this offseason, the position still holds value. For Simmons, he was solid in coverage last season. While he did allow 34 receptions on 41 targets for 416 yards and four touchdowns in coverage, he did record six interceptions.
Through the first two games this season, Simmons recorded 13 tackles while allowing six-of-eight targets for 79 yards and a touchdown.
If Payton and the Broncos front office want to acquire draft capital to rebuild via the NFL Draft, then trading away a player like Simmons could help them with that goal.
Broncos to trade after disastrous start, No. 1: WR Jerry Jeudy
We now go to the player who was part of trade rumors during last season's deadline, and that's wide receiver Jerry Jeudy.
Jeudy was among one of the top wide receiver prospects in the 2020 NFL Draft class, alongside Justin Jefferson and CeeDee Lamb. The Broncos selected Jeudy in hopes that he could give the Broncos a high-caliber, one-two punch downfield alongside Sutton. In his rookie season, Jeudy caught 52 passes for 856 yards and three touchdowns on 113 targets. But in his second season, Jeudy was limited to six games due to a high ankle sprain suffered in the 2021 opener.
Last year, Jeudy had a great year. Despite reports putting him on the trade block, the Broncos ultimately decided to keep him at the deadline. Jeudy finished his season with 67 receptions for 972 yards and six touchdowns on 100 targets (15 games).
Jeudy is under contract for one more season, as the Broncos exercised his fifth-year option, worth $12.98 million for the 2024 campaign. With one more year on the books, the Broncos could cash in via draft capital. As we said with Courtland Sutton, teams in playoff positions will make a push for wide receivers to give their quarterbacks more options to target in the passing game.
