The Denver Broncos were expected to be one of the most active teams at the NFL trade deadline midway through a disappointing season. Now, with the deadline on Tuesday, the chances of the Broncos not being super active seem to be increasing.
Denver has made it clear that it’s willing to entertain offers on a variety of players. Wide receivers Jerry Jeudy and Courtland Sutton have generated significant interest, while linebacker Josey Jewell is one of several veterans potentially available on the defensive side.
Related: Denver Broncos received ‘good offer’ on potential Jerry Jeudy trade
NFL teams always knew cornerback Patrick Surtain II was unlikely to move and Denver made it clear a deal isn’t happening. More interestingly, per Dianna Russini of The Athletic, Broncos’ general manager George Paton has reportedly set very high prices on his available players and isn’t really budging off those marks.
“Denver is listening to offers on others like receivers Jerry Jeudy and Courtland Sutton and linebacker Josey Jewell, but no offer has come close to motivating GM George Paton to make a move. A general manager who spoke to Denver told me, “The Broncos aren’t selling cheaply.”‘
Dianna Russini on the Denver Broncos’ trade deadline approach
Related: Denver Broncos actively looking for draft capital
The Broncos already received one quality offer for Jeudy, but Paton and head coach Sean Payton deemed it as insufficient. It tracks with reporting from this offseason, when Denver shopped both Jeudy and Sutton around the NFL for months. However, multiple clubs believed the Broncos’ asking price was far too high.
After trading multiple first-round picks to acquire quarterback Russell Wilson and then sacrificing more premium, draft assets to land Payton from the New Orleans Saints, Denver is trying to recoup draft picks for two deals that haven’t paid off.
However, there’s a reason NFL teams haven’t been willing to meet the club’s asking price. Jeudy has underperformed in Denver and is largely viewed more as a No. 3 receiving option in a high-end passing game than a go-to target. He also carries a fully guaranteed team option for nearly $13 million in 2024 that was already exercised.
As for Sutton, he’s owed the remaining portion of his $14 million salary. While any team that acquired the No. 2 receiver could release him next spring, getting out of the remainder of his contract, it would come with a $7.65 million cap hit. The alternative, however, is leaving him on the roster with a $17.325 million cap hit.
For the time being, the Broncos can stick to their hard-line approach and insistent on strong returns for their expendable players. If prices aren’t lowered, though, Denver will likely come away from the NFL trade deadline with very little in a season that has already felt like a lost year for the franchise.
