The Denver Broncos completed their first big trade of the 2023 NFL season by shipping edge rusher Randy Gregory to the San Francisco 49ers. It might be the first of many moves made by the Broncos in October.
Immediately after hiring head coach Sean Payton, Denver began purging its roster and exploring options to move on from some key players. Jerry Jeudy and Courtland Sutton were both floated in NFL trade rumors, but the Broncos ultimately kept them heading into the regular season.
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Months later, Payton’s Broncos are off to an even worse start than the team experienced with Nathaniel Hackett in 2022. With Denver seemingly unlikely to make a run at the playoffs, eyes around the league have shifted toward the roster for potential trades.
According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, the Broncos have been fielding calls about players on both sides of the ball in the weeks leading up to the NFL trade deadline on October 31.
While Denver isn’t actively planning on moving other players in the immediate future, clubs around the league believe that will change in a matter of weeks. Jeudy and Sutton are both expected to target trade interest leading up to the deadline, with teams like the Carolina Panthers in need of starting-caliber wide receivers.
Even with one of the worst NFL defenses, some of Denver’s defensive starters are expected to garner attention. While top cornerback Patrick Surtain II is unlikely to be traded, NFL teams believe Denver will listen to offers on just about anyone else on that side of the ball.
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A similar scenario unfolded last season. Out of the playoff hunt, the Broncos traded edge rusher Bradley Chubb to the Miami Dolphins for a first-round pick. The selection proved crucial to acquiring Payton’s rights from the New Orleans Saints.
While George Paton remains the Broncos’ general manager, Payton’s heavy influence over the 53-man roster will give him influence over deals. Considering his desire to change the culture in Denver and bring in his type of players, it would be a surprise if the Broncos don’t make more trades by Oct. 31.