The Denver Broncos appeared to have improved their offense significantly in Week 7, securing a convincing 33-10 victory over the New Orleans Saints. However, the Saints were dealing with injuries, and the Broncos’ ground game could still face challenges in 2024, revealing issues in their passing game. To address these concerns, the Broncos might consider making a trade.
Any trade would need to provide immediate impact and align with their future plans centered around quarterback Bo Nix. With depth at key positions and six draft picks available, including four in the first four rounds, the Broncos could make a bold move before the November 5 trade deadline.
With the New York Jets recently trading for Davante Adams, who joins his former Green Bay Packers teammates Aaron Rodgers and Allen Lazard, along with coach Nathaniel Hackett, Garrett Wilson’s role could be reduced. This situation creates an opportunity for the Broncos to make a move for Wilson.
Trade Proposal
Broncos receive:
– Garrett Wilson
Jets receive:
– Baron Browning
– 2025 first-round pick
– 2026 sixth-round pick (via NYJ)
Baron Browning, who started the season opposite Jonathon Cooper, was sidelined by a foot injury after Week 2 but returned for the Broncos’ win against the Saints. Meanwhile, Nik Bonitto has been starting in his place. With the Broncos leading the NFL in sacks, they have other options like rookie Jonah Elliss to support Bonitto and Cooper if Browning is traded.
The Jets, who rank fourth in sacks, have faced challenges with Jermaine Johnson out for the season due to an Achilles injury and Haason Reddick’s holdout, which ended just before Week 7. Browning could strengthen the Jets’ defensive depth while they regain a draft pick they traded to the Broncos earlier.
Impact of the Trade on the Broncos’ WR Room
The Jets drafted Wilson 10th overall in 2022, and he has since achieved two consecutive 1,000-yard seasons despite inconsistent quarterback play. This proposed trade is similar to the Eagles’ acquisition of A.J. Brown from the Titans in 2022.
Wilson is currently in the third year of his rookie contract, which carries a $985,000 cap hit for 2024. With the Broncos’ current cap space of $3.9 million and their projected $70.9 million in cap space for 2025, they could comfortably afford Wilson and potentially negotiate a long-term deal.
Adding Wilson would make him a strong contender for the top receiver spot, alongside Courtland Sutton, while young receivers like Marvin Mims, Devaughn Vele, and Troy Franklin develop. Sutton, who is 29, has only one year left on his contract after 2024, positioning Wilson as a possible long-term leader of the receiving corps.
Jets’ Position on Trading Wilson
Despite the Broncos’ interest, the Jets currently appear unwilling to trade Wilson. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that several teams had reached out following the Jets’ acquisition of Adams, but the Jets were not looking to move Wilson. Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio questioned the Jets’ stance, suggesting that if they don’t want to pay Wilson a market-rate contract, they might consider trading him for immediate help at a position of need.
Wilson’s future with the Jets could depend on the team’s performance and whether a trade request arises from him, especially if the Jets’ situation continues to deteriorate.
