Could Be Active at Deadline for the Denver Broncos

The NFL trade deadline represents a pivotal crossroads for playoff-contending teams—an opportunity to address weaknesses, fortify depth, or double down on a championship run. For the Denver Broncos, who enter the 2025 deadline with a 9-3 record and a firm grip on a top AFC seed, the question isn’t if they’ll explore moves, but how aggressive they’ll be. Unlike recent seasons, where the Broncos were stuck in rebuilding mode and avoided major deadline action, 2025 has positioned them as legitimate Super Bowl contenders—making strategic trades not just a luxury, but a way to protect their lead in the AFC and address lingering flaws. From shoring up their struggling special teams to adding depth on the defensive line, the Broncos have clear areas to target. Could Be Active at Deadline for the Denver Broncos isn’t just about speculation; it’s about understanding how the team’s current success, salary cap space, and roster needs align to make deadline activity both logical and necessary.

Could Be Active at Deadline for the Denver Broncos gains depth by examining the Broncos’ current roster weaknesses that could drive trade interest. The most pressing need remains in special teams—a unit that has cost the Broncos three games this season with missed field goals, muffed punts, and poor kickoff coverage. While kicker Wil Lutz has shown flashes of improvement, his 76% field goal accuracy still ranks 24th in the NFL, and the Broncos have reportedly scouted available veteran kickers like Matt Prater (a former Bronco) and Robbie Gould. Beyond special teams, the Broncos could also target defensive line depth: starting defensive tackle Mike Purcell has dealt with nagging knee issues, and backup Elijah Garcia, while promising, is a second-year undrafted player with limited playoff experience. Adding a proven interior lineman—someone who can plug gaps in the run game and generate pass rush—would help the Broncos handle the physicality of playoff offenses like the Baltimore Ravens or Buffalo Bills. These weaknesses aren’t fatal, but they’re gaps that could be exploited in the postseason—making them top priorities for the Broncos’ front office as the deadline approaches.

A critical factor in Could Be Active at Deadline for the Denver Broncos is the team’s salary cap flexibility, which gives them the room to absorb contracts of potential trade targets. As of late October 2025, the Broncos have approximately \(14 million in available cap space, according to Over The Cap—a figure that can be expanded by restructuring existing contracts (like offensive tackle Mike McGlinchey’s \)17.5 million annual deal or safety Justin Simmons’ \(14 million salary). This flexibility is key because many deadline targets are on expiring or mid-tier contracts; for example, a veteran kicker like Prater would likely command a salary of \)2-3 million for the remainder of the season, while a rotational defensive tackle could cost \(4-5 million. Unlike past seasons, where the Broncos were saddled with bad contracts (like Russell Wilson’s \)245 million deal), 2025 has brought financial stability: only four players earn more than $15 million annually, leaving room to add talent without crippling future cap space. The Broncos’ front office, led by George Paton, has also shown restraint in recent years—avoiding overpaying for rental players—and this discipline will likely guide their deadline strategy: they’ll target players who can contribute immediately and fit into their long-term plans, rather than sacrificing draft capital for short-term fixes.

Could Be Active at Deadline for the Denver Broncos is particularly significant for the Denver Broncos’ playoff resilience, as depth and versatility become even more critical in the postseason. In last year’s playoffs, teams that advanced to the Super Bowl (the San Francisco 49ers and Detroit Lions) both made key deadline additions: the 49ers added defensive end Chase Young, and the Lions picked up cornerback Cameron Sutton. Both players made impact plays in the postseason, highlighting how deadline moves can tip the scales in a team’s favor. For the Denver Broncos, adding a reliable kicker would eliminate the “special teams wildcard” that has haunted them—ensuring they don’t lose a playoff game to a missed field goal or muffed punt. Similarly, a rotational defensive tackle would let the Broncos keep starters like Purcell and Malcolm Roach fresh, preventing fatigue from setting in during long playoff drives. The Denver Broncos’ coaching staff has already emphasized the importance of depth: head coach Sean Payton told reporters, “In January, you need 45 guys ready to play, not just 22. The deadline is a chance to make sure we have that.” For the Denver Broncos, deadline activity isn’t just about winning now—it’s about ensuring they have the roster to win when it matters most, in the high-stakes environment of the playoffs.

Another vital dimension of Could Be Active at Deadline for the Denver Broncos is the availability of viable trade targets—a factor that will ultimately determine how active the team can be. This year’s deadline class is deep with players from rebuilding teams, making it easier for the Broncos to find value. For special teams, Prater (currently with the Arizona Cardinals) is a familiar face who spent seven seasons in Denver (2007-2013) and has a career 84.3% field goal accuracy—well above Lutz’s current rate. The Cardinals, who are 3-9 and out of playoff contention, could be willing to part with Prater for a late-round draft pick. On the defensive line, the Chicago Bears’ Justin Jones (a 6-foot-3, 315-pound tackle with 3.5 sacks this season) is another target; the Bears are 4-8 and have already begun shopping veterans. Jones would fit seamlessly into the Broncos’ defense, as he’s proven capable of both run-stopping and pass-rushing. The Denver Broncos’ reputation as a desirable destination also helps: players often prefer to join teams with winning records, strong fan bases, and a clear path to the Super Bowl—all boxes the Broncos check. Additionally, the Broncos have a stockpile of 2026 draft picks (including two third-rounders and a fourth-rounder) to use as trade capital, making them attractive partners for teams looking to rebuild.

Finally, Could Be Active at Deadline for the Denver Broncos has long-term implications for the franchise, even beyond the 2025 season. Making smart deadline moves can help the Broncos retain key free agents: if they add a player who contributes to a deep playoff run, it reinforces to pending free agents like J.K. Dobbins and Jarrett Stidham that the team is committed to winning—making them more likely to re-sign. It also sets a precedent for the organization: showing that the Broncos are willing to invest in the roster to compete for championships, rather than settling for mediocrity. For the fan base, deadline activity is a sign of confidence—proof that the front office believes in this team’s ability to win now. However, the Broncos must balance aggression with caution: overpaying in draft capital for a rental player could hurt their ability to build for the future, especially with key positions like cornerback and offensive guard needing long-term solutions. Could Be Active at Deadline for the Denver Broncos wraps up with a simple reality: the Broncos are in a rare position of strength—they’re winning now, have the resources to improve, and have a clear path to the Super Bowl. How they approach the deadline will likely define their 2025 season—and whether they can finally end their decade-long championship drought. For a team that has waited so long to return to prominence, being active at the deadline isn’t just an option—it’s the best way to seize the moment.