The Denver Broncos are in a position of power as the 2025 trade deadline draws near. They are 7-2 and not only atop the AFC West, but tied for the best record in the NFL. Moreover, there is a growing consensus that the Broncos are ripe for a potential move.
There are hours, not days, before the 4 p.m. ET deadline passes.
The Broncos have several potential areas of need, ample draft capital, and a favorable financial outlook. They are a team to monitor as the clock ticks away.
Broncos Linked to ‘Holy Crap’ Trade Before Deadline
GettyDenver Broncos head coach Sean Payton looks on before a game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
“We’ll see if any deals get done, but the two teams I’m watching today for a potential ‘holy crap’ trade are the #Seahawks and #Broncos,” Fox Sports NFL insider Jordan Schultz posted on X on November 4.
Schultz’s post sparked another that suggested a trade for Miami Dolphins star Jaylen Waddle would qualify. It is an idea that has gained popularity in Broncos Country.
KOA Colorado’s Ryan Edwards posted, “Would be fun if it happens.”
“Another deadline consideration for the #Broncos, particularly if you’re thinking about potentially splashy moves: NFLPA data has Denver at $4.62 million in cap space,” The Denver Post’s Parker Gabriel posted on X on November 4. “So taking on any meaningful salary would likely require moving money around/creating room/shedding salary, etc.”
Over The Cap projects the Broncos will have over $49.5 million in space in 2026, which means the Broncos could bring on a player and move money to future years.
They could also take on a player whose salary will increase greatly in 2026.
To that end, Waddle – the No. 6 overall pick in the 2021 draft, who turns 27 on November 25 – is signed through the 2028 season on a three-year, $84.7 million contract. He has an $8 million cap hit in 2025 and will count $11.6 million against the cap in 2026.
Waddle’s cap hit explodes to $33.8 million in 2027, when the Broncos project to have $68.6 million, though extensions and other deals will greatly impact that figure.
A move like this would be a first for Broncos head coach Sean Payton, though.
Sean Payton Digs In on Trade Deadline
GettyDenver Broncos head coach Sean Payton looks on against the Dallas Cowboys.
CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones called the Broncos an “interesting” team as the trade deadline approaches.
“The league believes the Broncos covet another pass catcher, but they keep winning with the group they have,” Jones wrote on November 4. “Six straight wins with the group they have may make them say ‘we all we got, we all we need.’ But if there is one team that could provide us with the Fourth of July on the Fourth of November, it would be the Broncos. Head coach Sean Payton has been known to throw around draft picks when he wants something badly enough.”
Payton doubled down on his faith in the current Broncos, while not ruling out a trade. However, he also made it clear that the Broncos would not involve themselves in a trade before the deadline to send a message to their team or the rest of the league.
They must find value.
“We would never make a trade to send a message to the team,” Payton told reporters on November 3. “Everyone in the locker room, our players, coaches, management, front office knows that we’re all in to win. The trade would take place. This supposed trade is if we found value in something that could help us. Period. That’s it. We’re not looking to send a message.”
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