As we begin to dive into the depths of the 2024 NFL offseason, the Denver Broncos arise as one of the more interesting candidates to keep a close eye on around the league. They’re fresh off an underwhelming 8-9 campaign led by Russell Wilson and Sean Payton and now enter this spring as a bottom-five team in terms of available cap space ($-10.7 million).
It may be easier said than done to predict the next move Denver has in store, but a few writers and talking heads have already begun throwing out some potential ideas for what might be next for the Broncos.
One of those ideas has revolved around making a shake-up in their wide receiver room. While predicting a “bold move” for each NFL team to make this offseason, Aaron Schatz of ESPN proposed for the Broncos to ship off 2020 first-round pick, Jerry Jeudy:
Jeudy has not lived up to his first-round draft status. Jeudy’s best season was 2022, when he had six touchdowns and nearly 1,000 yards, but that’s his only standout season in my advanced stats…Jeudy might be attractive to a team that thinks it is close to a title and just needs an upgrade at wide receiver. The Broncos could get some draft value for Jeudy before losing him to free agency in 2025. His role in the offense could go to youngster Marvin Mims Jr., a returning Tim Patrick or a free agent who could be signed with a cheaper contract.
The now four-year NFL veteran saw a bit of a decline in counting stats this past season from his previous year. He hauled in 54 receptions on 758 yards, along with two touchdowns. If the Broncos had no interest in bringing him back on a second contract after the 2024 season, the wisest move would be to claim value on him in a trade during the offseason.
Before this past trade deadline, it was reported the Broncos had “active discussions” with a few teams concerning a deal with Jeudy, eventually turning down offers consisting of third and fifth-round picks. For a team that lacks flexibility within its collection of draft capital, a deal like this could still be in place if Payton wants his squad to bring in some more youth.
Questions have also surrounded the future regarding this team’s other wide receiver, Courtland Sutton, a player possessing the qualities of a potential cap casualty. The Broncos could have around $13 million in cap savings if Sutton is deemed a post-June 1st cut. A release could effectively help Denver find some aid in their shaky cap situation, one that will continue to get more difficult after a move is made on Russell Wilson’s deal.
Continue to keep watch on how the Broncos approach the coming months of this offseason to bring this squad back to the playoffs for the first time since they won the Super Bowl in 2015.