The Denver Broncos are in a precarious spot heading into the NFL trade deadline. They could deal or stand pat. Here’s everything to know.
All seemed well and good leading up to the start of the 2022 season for the Denver Broncos. They had acquired Super Bowl-winning and nine-time Pro Bowl quarterback Russell Wilson. They even secured him for many years to come with a lucrative contract extension.
Right away, it hit the fan. The Broncos lost their first game of the season to Wilson’s former team, the Seahawks. Through eight games, they’ve won just three and sit three games behind the Chiefs in the AFC West.
Wilson has been injured, and let’s be honest, they should have sat him down and let him heal weeks ago. Instead, he’s curiously icing his shoulder between drives in the middle of games. This is bad, folks.
It’s not looking good for the Broncos, and the fall from expectations makes for a highly intriguing trade deadline. Do they liquidate some of their talent? Or do they stand pat and trust that their roster will progress to where we thought it might be? They might have too much sunk cost in Wilson to make the smart choice.
So far, the big names that could be on the move appear to be Bradley Chubb Jerry Jeudy (WR) and Melvin Gordon (RB). There’s a case to be made for keeping both, though.
The NFL trade deadline is on Tuesday at 4 PM ET, 2 PM Denver time. This page will be updated with rumors and confirmed deals, so bookmark it and come on back, y’all. Let’s ride.
1:20 PM Denver time – Broncos get Jacob Martin
The Broncos essentially backfilled Bradley Chubb here by trading for Jacob Martin. In essence, the Broncos got some picks for Chubb and kept their defense solid. Martin is no Chubb, but it’ll do.
12:25 PM Denver time – Bradley Chubb traded to Dolphins, Broncos get Edmonds
Adam Schefter reported that Bradley Chubb has been traded to the Miami Dolphins. In return they get a package that includes a first-round pick.
The Broncos acquired RB Chase Edmonds in the deal.
Tuesday – Broncos budgeting could factor into Bradley Chubb trade
On Get Up! on Tuesday, Adam Schefter said Bradley Chubb is due for a major contract extension, and if the Broncos don’t want to pay it, he could instead be traded (h/t USA Today). The Broncos have ill-advised money secured in Wilson, so that could impact their view on spending more.
Monday – Giants want Jerry Jeudy
On Monday, it was reported that the Giants are interested in Jerry Jeudy and Brandin Cooks of the Houston Texans.
Monday – Bradley Chubb trade talk cooling off
Mike Florio mentioned on Monday that Bradley Chubb, who was gaining steam as a potential trade piece, is cooling off in discussions in the aftermath of a Broncos win over the Jaguars in London on Sunday.
Previously, here’s what ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on Chubb:
"“One team even has been willing to trade its first-round draft pick, along with other compensation, in exchange for Chubb, according to sources.”"
Chubb seems to be the most likely player on the move, if anyone.
Saturday – Schefter says Jeudy, KJ Hamler unlikely to be traded
The Broncos don’t want to trade receivers Jeudy or KJ Hamler.
Here’s what Schefter said in the article linked above:
"“Although they are fielding trade inquiries on Chubb, the Broncos do not plan to trade Jerry Jeudy or KJ Hamler despite getting calls on the third-year wide receivers, according to sources familiar with the team’s thinking.”"
All season – Melvin Gordon isn’t being used
Two-time Pro Bowl running back Melvin Gordon is behind Latavius Murray the last few weeks in carries. Gordon is getting fewer than 10 rushing attempts per game.
Why? Your guess is as good as Gordon’s:
He’s obviously talented. The Broncos aren’t using him how he probably should be. Maybe that underutilization in Nathaniel Hackett’s system leads to them getting an offer too good to refuse.
I’m on team Free Melvin.