The Denver Broncos dropped further in the 2024 NFL Draft order after Week 5, falling to 1-4 and on pace to have one of the worst NFL defenses in history. Despite the team’s rough performance through five weeks, it seems no one should expect a firesale at the 2023 NFL trade deadline.
Denver already shipped out edge rusher Randy Gregory. Signed to a five-year, $70 million contract by general manager George Paton in March 2022, head coach Sean Payton flipped Gregory to the San Francisco 49ers last week for a late-round pick swap.
- Jerry Jeudy career stats: 174 receptions, 2,503 receiving yards, 14.4 yards per catch in 45 games
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Even before losing to the New York Jets on Sunday, the Broncos’ front office was already fielding trade inquiries from across the league. While the team is open to making deals, it appears Payton isn’t willing to part with anyone on one side of the ball.
Dianna Russini of The Athletic reported on Sunday that Denver is not looking to trade any of its offensive players, including wide receivers Jerry Jeudy and Courtland Sutton.
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It represents a significant change from where things stood this offseason. After taking over as Broncos head coach, Payton started exploring the trade markets for Jeudy and Sutton around the NFL. While there was interest, many teams felt that Denver overpriced its receivers and a trade never materialized.
While Jeudy and Sutton are available, neither has been a difference-maker this season. Entering NFL games today, Sutton’s team-high in targets (31) has only translated to 229 receiving yards and he’s averaging just 45.8 receiving yards per contest. Meanwhile, Jeudy has drawn 24 targets and mustered 17 receptions for 208 receiving yards, delivering a modest 12.2 yards per catch.
- Courtland Sutton stats (career): 260 receptions, 3,716 receiving yards, 17 touchdowns in 70 games
The Broncos need more draft capital after paying a premium this offseason to acquire Payton just one year after sacrificing two years worth of top picks to land Russell Wilson. Despite that, Denver’s head coach seems satisfied with the group he has right now offensively.
As for Denver’s defense, only cornerback Patrick Surtain II, edge rusher Nik Bonitto and linebacker Josey Jewell seem likely to remain in Denver. Outside of that, players like safety Kareem Jackson and edge rusher Frank Clark could be on the NFL trade block in October.
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