The Denver Broncos are 1-3 and clearly willing to move on from veterans as they look to rebuild under new head coach Sean Payton.
Earlier this week, the Broncos decided to part ways with outside linebacker Randy Gregory, opting to release him after failing to find a trade partner. That might be a sign of more changes to come in Denver.
As the NFL’s trade deadline approaches, the Broncos might put several players on the trade block, potentially including wide receivers Courtland Sutton and Jerry Jeudy.
While trading one or both of those WRs could make sense for Denver, the Broncos should not part with the following five players this month.
1
CB Pat Surtain
Surtain probably has the most trade value of any player on Denver’s roster, but PS2 is exactly the kind of player the Broncos would hope to draft if they traded him for picks. Surtain is already one of the NFL’s best cornerbacks and thanks to a fifth-year option, he will have a team-friendly contract for two more seasons after 2023. Surtain is the kind of player Denver should build around under Payton.
2
OLB Baron Browning
The Broncos won Super Bowl 50 thanks in large part to their elite secondary and elite pass rush. Browning is not an elite pass rusher yet, but he has shown flashes of brilliance through his first two seasons in the NFL. Once he’s healthy, Browning could help Denver’s defense get back on track this season.
3
WR Marvin Mims
Mims is a big play waiting to happen. On just 19 touches this season, Mims has totaled 501 all-purpose yards and two touchdowns. He’s averaging more than 26 yards per touch and has already emerged as the team’s best deep threat on offense.
4
OL Quinn Meinerz
Meinerz landed just outside the top ten this offseason when NFL coaches, players, scouts and executives ranked the top guards in the league. Meinerz is well on his way to being considered one of the game’s best guards and he is yet to allow a sack this season.
5
RB Javonte Williams
Williams has started the 2023 campaign slowly as he works his way back from last season’s serious knee injury, but fans in Denver know what the talented running back is capable of. Like all of the players on this list, Williams is still playing on a rookie contract, making him an affordable player to keep around. Once fully healthy, expect Williams to emerge as a key player in Payton’s offense.
The NFL’s trade deadline for the 2023 season is Tuesday, Oct. 31.
