With their season off to a rough 1-5 start, the Denver Broncos are a key team in regard to the trade deadline. According to a high-ranking NFL official, several names may be on the table.
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Denver Broncos Trade Rumors
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy has been the center of trade talks for the Broncos for the last two years. Per beat writer Destin Adams, the Colts have engaged in “extensive trade discussions” for the Broncos wide receiver.
Jeudy’s season has gotten off to a less-than-ideal start as he ranks third on the team with 222 receiving yards across 29 catches, averaging a career-low 11.1 yards per reception and hauling in zero touchdowns.
Could the #Broncos move WR Jerry Jeudy before the trade deadline? 🤔
Sources tell @caplannfl Jeudy’s near-$13 million fully guaranteed 5th-yr option for next season has deterred teams from trading for him.
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With the Broncos open for business and likely looking to rebuild, Jeudy could have a shot to break out with another team. Another option that ESPN’s Dan Graziano suggests is the Jeudy to the Chiefs for a third-round pick.
However, sources tell Pro Football Network Insider Adam Caplan that his near-$13 million fully guaranteed fifth-year option salary for next season would be the primary reason for teams shying away from trading for Jeudy.
As a league source explained to Pro Football Network recently, his salary for this year is very palatable ($2.7 million, which would be prorated for the rest of the season if he’s moved). But if a new team wanted to move on from Jeudy after this season by release, they would be on the hook for that big salary increase for next season.
Denver’s other top wide receiver, Courtland Sutton, is another name that has come up in trade talks, though less often than Jeudy. Sutton has brought in 25 passes for 275 yards and four touchdowns so far this season. Trading away Sutton and his contract would be a step in the right direction for a Broncos rebuild at the wide receiver position.
MORE: Denver Broncos Depth Chart
While rebuilding is likely what the Broncos will be looking toward as the trade deadline approaches, are any players off the table? Some would say the Broncos should be willing to trade away any players that can get them a draft pick, but players such as CB Patrick Surtain II may be untouchable.
Surtain is a key building block for the team, and the All-Pro cornerback seems content staying in Denver and sticking out the rebuilding process.
When recently asked if he wants to stay with the Broncos long-term, Surtain said, “Yeah, definitely.”
“I plan on being here my whole career,” Surtain said. “That’s how I want it to end up. I love the organization. I love the city.”
While Sean Payton recently stated he is “not looking to do business” with his players, his recent moves say otherwise, as he recently traded Randy Gregory to the 49ers and released Frank Clark.
As of now, Jeudy and Sutton seem to be the most likely trade prospects, but for the right deal, few names seem to be off the table for a Broncos team that will look to begin the rebuilding process ahead of the Oct. 31 deadline.