The Denver Broncos are 1-4. They are on pace to have the worst defense in NFL history. They are already three games out of first place in the AFC West, and before they even think about chasing the AFC’s final Wild Card spot, they are tied for the conference’s worst record. Their upcoming schedule features the rival and defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs (twice), as well as the heavyweight Buffalo Bills.
What any rational franchise would do in this situation is look toward the future. By that, I mean they’d seriously consider trading away veteran players far more helpful to relevant contenders while stockpiling draft picks for an improved foundation. The mark of any good franchise is knowing when to wave the white flag and save face while you still can. Sometimes, it’s better to salvage value rather than double down. (Cough, cough.)
According to Denver head coach Sean Payton, with the NFL trade deadline looming on Halloween night, the Broncos apparently have minimal interest in trading anyone away.
If I didn’t know any better, Payton is lying through his teeth:
Sean Payton when asked about the trade deadline three weeks away:
“We’re not looking to do business with any of our players”
Added the team will of course pick up the phone, but wasn’t even aware the trade deadline was three weeks away.
— Zac Stevens (@ZacStevensDNVR) October 10, 2023
Maybe Payton genuinely believes his Broncos can still turn it around. After all, he is being compensated very handsomely to get this Orange Crush train back on track. But the guy has been around the league and the game forever. Even he has to know when a team looks like an obvious lost cause, such as the 2023 Broncos. Does it really pay to horde players that could be helpful to other teams when you’re not going anywhere?
No, it doesn’t. And Payton knows it, which is why he’s almost certainly bluffing when he says the Broncos won’t be trading anyone.
Playmakers like Jerry Jeudy and Courtland Sutton would be perfect in roles with more well-put-together offenses. Justin Simmons is an All-Pro caliber safety who could be the missing puzzle piece to a defense that just needs more help on the back end. Frank Clark is one of the greatest playoff pass rushers ever. He would be predictably excellent with another avenue to play in January again. Even Garrett Bolles, an underrated franchise tackle, could really use a change of scenery.
The Broncos mortgaged their future by trading for Wilson and Payton. The least Payton could do is start stockpiling assets to fill in the potholes their albatross trades and contracts left behind. A firesale should be a necessity for this iteration of Denver. Call it a hunch, but Payton is purely being coy while slowly fielding calls from anyone interested in his receivers, safeties, edge rushers, and quality tackles. Anyone would be.
No one’s buying it, Payton. Work on your poker face a little more next time.
