Active at Deadline Possible for the Denver Broncos

The NFL trade deadline stands as a pivotal crossroads for teams—either doubling down on playoff aspirations, pivoting to rebuild, or fine-tuning rosters to address critical gaps. For the Denver Broncos, the 2025 deadline carries unique weight: sitting at 5-5 halfway through the season, they’re just one game out of an AFC wild-card spot, with a schedule that includes winnable matchups against divisional rivals and playoff contenders alike. This precarious position makes “being active at the deadline” not just a possibility, but a strategic necessity. Unlike recent seasons, where the Broncos lacked the roster foundation or salary cap flexibility to make impactful moves, 2025 has brought a shift: a deep core of young talent, manageable contracts, and a front office led by George Paton that has proven willing to act decisively. From potential upgrades in the secondary to depth additions on the offensive line, the Broncos have clear areas to target—moves that could turn a mediocre season into a playoff run. Active at Deadline Possible for the Denver Broncos isn’t just about speculation; it’s about understanding how the team’s current trajectory and roster needs align to make deadline action both logical and urgent.

Active at Deadline Possible for the Denver Broncos gains its first layer of depth by examining the Broncos’ competitive window—a key driver of deadline strategy. The Broncos’ core pieces—from Pro Bowl cornerback Patrick Surtain II to emerging running back Javonte Williams and reliable offensive tackle Mike McGlinchey—are in their prime, suggesting the next 2-3 seasons represent a window to compete for the AFC West title and beyond. However, this window is fragile: quarterback Jarrett Stidham, while improving, is on a one-year contract, and several defensive starters (like safety Justin Simmons) are entering the final years of their deals. Waiting until the off-season to address needs could mean missing out on this window, especially if other AFC teams (like the Kansas City Chiefs or Baltimore Ravens) strengthen their rosters at the deadline. The Broncos’ recent history also underscores the urgency: they’ve missed the playoffs in five of the last six seasons, and fan frustration is mounting. Making targeted deadline moves isn’t just about winning now—it’s about capitalizing on the current roster’s potential before key players depart or age. For Paton and head coach Sean Payton, the deadline offers a chance to send a message to the locker room and fanbase: this team is serious about competing, and no opportunity to improve will be wasted.

A critical factor in Active at Deadline Possible for the Denver Broncos is the team’s clear roster needs—specific gaps that can be addressed via trade to immediately boost performance. The most pressing need is at slot cornerback, where the Broncos have struggled to contain opposing slot receivers (allowing 7.2 yards per target to the position, 22nd in the NFL). Potential trade targets here include Tampa Bay’s Carlton Davis III (a physical press corner with experience in zone coverage) and Atlanta’s A.J. Terrell (a young, athletic corner who can handle slot duties in a pinch). Both players are on expiring contracts, meaning the Broncos could acquire them for mid-round draft picks without surrendering future core pieces. Another key need is edge rushing depth: while starters Randy Gregory and Baron Browning have performed well, the backups (like Nik Bonitto) have been inconsistent, and a reliable third edge rusher would let the Broncos keep their starters fresh during the stretch run. Targets here include Cleveland’s Ogbo Okoronkwo (a former Bronco who has 6 sacks this season) and Indianapolis’ Kwity Paye (a talented but underutilized edge who could thrive in Denver’s defense). These needs aren’t just “nice-to-haves”—they’re positions where upgrades would directly impact the Broncos’ ability to stop high-powered AFC offenses, making them top priorities for deadline action.

Active at Deadline Possible for the Denver Broncos is particularly feasible due to the Denver Broncos’ salary cap flexibility—a resource that lets them absorb contracts of potential trade targets without crippling future finances. As of late October 2025, the Broncos have approximately \(12 million in available cap space, according to Over The Cap—a figure that can be increased by restructuring existing contracts (like McGlinchey’s or Simmons’ deals). This flexibility is crucial because many deadline targets are on expiring or high-salary contracts; for example, Carlton Davis III is earning \)14 million this season, but the Broncos can absorb that salary by spreading it across the remaining cap space and using void years if needed. Unlike past seasons, where the Broncos were hamstrung by bad contracts (like Russell Wilson’s \(245 million deal), 2025 has brought financial stability: only three players (McGlinchey, Surtain, and Williams) are under contracts worth more than \)15 million annually, leaving room to add talent. The Denver Broncos’ cap situation also lets them avoid “fire sales”—they don’t need to trade away key players to free up money, which means they can focus solely on acquiring talent. For Paton, this flexibility is a luxury he hasn’t had in previous years, and it positions the Broncos to be aggressive at the deadline without sacrificing long-term stability.

Another vital dimension of Active at Deadline Possible for the Denver Broncos is the availability of trade targets—a factor that often determines how active a team can be. This year’s deadline class is deep with players on playoff-contending teams who are either expendable or on expiring contracts, making them ideal targets for the Broncos. For example, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (currently 4-6) are likely to sell off veterans like Davis III to accumulate draft picks for a rebuild. The Atlanta Falcons (3-7) are in a similar position, with Terrell and safety Jessie Bates III potentially available. Even playoff-contending teams like the Cleveland Browns could part with Okoronkwo, as they have a surplus of edge rushers. The Denver Broncos’ reputation as a desirable destination also helps: players often prefer to join teams with strong fanbases, good coaching staffs, and competitive rosters—all boxes the Broncos check. Additionally, the Broncos’ stockpile of 2026 draft picks (including two second-rounders and a third-rounder) gives them the capital to make compelling offers. Unlike teams that lack draft assets, the Broncos can trade mid-round picks without gutting their future, making them attractive partners for teams looking to rebuild. For the Denver Broncos, the confluence of available targets and draft capital makes deadline action not just possible, but likely.

Finally, Active at Deadline Possible for the Denver Broncos has broader implications for the team’s culture and playoff psyche. In recent years, the Broncos have developed a reputation as a “mid-tier” team—one that can compete but lacks the killer instinct to close out games or make bold moves. Being active at the deadline would shatter that perception, showing players and fans that the front office believes in this roster’s ability to win. For a team that has lost three one-score games this season, adding a impact player like Davis III or Okoronkwo could be the spark needed to turn close losses into wins. It would also boost locker room morale: knowing the front office is investing in the team’s success can motivate players to elevate their performance during the stretch run. Beyond this season, deadline moves can help the Broncos retain key free agents (like Stidham or Simmons), as players are more likely to re-sign with teams that demonstrate a commitment to winning. Active at Deadline Possible for the Denver Broncos wraps up with a simple reality: in the NFL, fortune favors the bold. The Broncos have the roster, cap space, and draft capital to make impactful deadline moves—now it’s up to Paton and Payton to seize the moment. For a team hungry to return to playoff relevance, being active at the deadline isn’t just a possibility—it’s the best path forward.