The Denver Broncos offense is in need of a boost as the trade deadline nears. In their Week 6 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers, they failed to score for the first 45 minutes, ultimately losing 23-16. Players expressed frustration over their slow start, a recurring issue this season, but acknowledged that the team played hard. Head coach Sean Payton minimized the significance of their late-game rally, focusing on the impact of their early deficit. Rookie quarterback Bo Nix also faced challenges, with his playmakers letting him down multiple times.
With the NFL trade deadline approaching on November 5 and several teams facing worse situations than the Broncos, Denver could still look to acquire talent. Despite having a full roster, the offense has struggled to score consistently. A proposed trade suggests bringing in Calvin Ridley from the Tennessee Titans to address this issue.
In the proposed deal, the Broncos would receive Ridley in exchange for a conditional 2025 fourth-round pick, which would turn into a third-rounder if the Broncos make the playoffs. Ridley has recorded nine receptions for 141 yards and one touchdown over the first six weeks of the season, marking the lowest reception total and second-lowest yardage total of his career. However, he had a strong 2023 season with the Jacksonville Jaguars, finishing with 76 receptions, 1,016 yards, and eight touchdowns. This came after he missed the entire 2022 season due to a suspension related to gambling.
Ridley signed a four-year, $92 million contract with the Titans in the 2024 offseason and will turn 30 in December. Despite this, he has consistently produced, achieving at least 63 receptions, 821 yards, and seven touchdowns in four out of five of his previous active seasons. After the 2025 season, there is no guaranteed money left on his deal, giving the Broncos the chance to evaluate him for up to 28 games alongside Nix and top receiver Courtland Sutton (with Josh Reynolds expected to return from injury).
Fitting Ridley’s $4.4 million salary for 2024 into the cap is manageable, as the Broncos currently have $4.8 million in space. They can also create additional room through contract extensions or restructures. By 2025, when Ridley’s salary increases to $22.5 million, the Broncos are projected to have $70.8 million in cap space, allowing them to consider extending him or potentially moving on during the 2026 offseason.
However, a major obstacle could be the Titans’ willingness to take on a $46.9 million dead cap charge if they decide to cut Ridley. Yet, he may be seeking a change after his performance in the Titans’ Week 6 loss to the Indianapolis Colts, where he failed to catch any of the eight passes thrown his way. Ridley expressed his frustration, saying, “I need something in the beginning of the game too,” highlighting his desire for more involvement early in games.
The Titans’ struggles on offense, which ranks 26th in passing attempts and 31st in passing yards, have contributed to Ridley’s limited opportunities. Additionally, inconsistent play from second-round pick Will Levis and backup quarterback Mason Rudolph has affected the offense, with Levis tied for the fewest big-time throws among quarterbacks with over 125 attempts.
On the other hand, Bo Nix has been performing well as the Broncos’ quarterback, ranking 14th in passing attempts per game, the second highest among rookies. He achieved his highest offensive grade of the season in Week 6, recording a notable performance without any turnover-worthy plays. However, the Broncos’ passing game has struggled, evidenced by multiple dropped passes in Week 6.
Bringing in a proven playmaker like Ridley could help the Broncos capitalize on having Nix on a cost-effective contract, similar to what the Bears have done with Caleb Williams and the Texans with C.J. Stroud.
