The Denver Broncos currently have a 3-2 record and can secure second place in the AFC West with a victory against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 6. The team is on a three-game winning streak, and their defense is performing at a high level, ranking among the best in the NFL.
However, the offense has been inconsistent, failing to capitalize on scoring opportunities. According to Troy Renck of The Denver Post, if the Broncos continue their winning ways, they should consider trading for a playmaker to boost their offense.
Renck suggests Cincinnati Bengals star Tee Higgins as the ideal target for the Broncos. He emphasizes that the Broncos should make a move before the trade deadline on November 5 if they remain in playoff contention, as quarterback Bo Nix would benefit greatly from an additional offensive weapon.
In 2024, Higgins has recorded 18 catches for 182 yards and 2 touchdowns, including a strong performance in the Bengals’ Week 5 loss to the Baltimore Ravens. With two 1,000-yard seasons in his career, Higgins would be a significant upgrade over the Broncos’ current top receiver, Courtland Sutton. However, there are potential financial and logistical challenges to acquiring Higgins.
Higgins is currently on the franchise tag, earning $21.8 million, and won’t be eligible for a contract extension until the offseason. Renck estimates that acquiring Higgins would cost the Broncos around $11 million for the remainder of the season. He argues that the investment is worthwhile to enhance Denver’s passing game, which ranks 28th in the NFL with just 163.8 yards per game, and to potentially secure Higgins as a long-term No. 1 receiver.
Higgins previously held out of organized team activities (OTAs) in hopes of securing a new contract with the Bengals, but he returned before training camp started. With Cincinnati off to a disappointing 1-4 start, their upcoming schedule against weaker opponents may determine whether they consider trading Higgins before the season ends.
While the Broncos haven’t shown any indication of pursuing a trade for a wide receiver, Renck believes that maintaining a winning record could prompt the team to change its approach before the deadline.
Renck proposes that acquiring Higgins might require minimal draft capital. He suggests that the Bengals’ asking price for Higgins has dropped, possibly to a second-round pick, as Higgins nears free agency.
Currently, the Broncos have $4.7 million in cap space, according to Over The Cap. To fit Higgins’ contract under the salary cap, Renck recommends restructuring the deals of Garett Bolles or, if necessary, trading quarterback Jarrett Stidham to create additional space.
He draws a comparison to the Las Vegas Raiders’ request for a second-round pick for Davante Adams, noting that while Adams is more established, he is also older than Higgins. A trade proposal might involve sending Stidham and a second-round pick to the Bengals in exchange for Higgins.
The financial outlook for the Broncos is favorable if they follow Renck’s recommendations. According to Over The Cap, they could create $17.6 million in cap space this season, which would be sufficient to acquire Higgins. The Broncos are also projected to have $71.8 million in cap space in 2025.
Renck highlights the potential benefits of these moves, emphasizing that Bolles, despite his age, remains a key player on the offensive line, while Stidham’s departure could yield value for the team rather than risking losing him in free agency.
