ClutchPoints
After years of swirling uncertainty, the Denver Broncos might finally be turning a corner. A revamped roster and major upgrades on both sides of the ball have sparked optimism at Mile High. Still. Now, Denver must remain aggressive if it hopes to compete in a cutthroat AFC. With a few calculated moves before Week 1, this team could go from playoff hopeful to legitimate dark horse. And that starts with the right trades to patch lingering holes in the roster.
The Broncos ranked 10th in the NFL last season in overall team PFF defensive grade (74.1). Thankfully, the front office has only doubled down on that strength in 2025. They added linebacker Dre Greenlaw and two high-upside defensive backs in Talanoa Hufanga and Jahdae Barron. These reinforcements bolster a defense that already ranked in the top half of the league in run defense, pass coverage, and pass rush. It’s not far-fetched to say that this unit could become the NFL’s best.
Offensively, Denver made meaningful progress, too. Tight end Evan Engram joined via free agency. He provides a legitimate receiving threat in the middle of the field. The Broncos also spent a second-round pick on UCF running back RJ Harvey. He can inject life into a backfield that has lacked versatility and pop. However, Harvey, while talented, remains raw in the passing game. He also needs time to develop into a complete back.
If Denver’s front office wants to maximize this promising offseason, two trade targets stand out — both offering immediate impact and depth where the Broncos need it most.
The Broncos made a smart move by drafting Harvey at No. 60 overall. His blend of vision and explosiveness makes him a long-term asset. On the flip side, betting on a rookie to be the centerpiece of a running game is risky. This is especially true for Denver, who needs a strong RB to support a developing quarterback. As such, Denver needs another back who can reliably contribute as a receiver and complement Harvey’s strengths.
Enter former first-round pick Travis Etienne Jr. At his best, he has flashed game-breaking ability with the Jaguars. This is especially true as a receiver out of the backfield. Over his career, Etienne has averaged close to eight yards per reception. He has proved to be a mismatch against linebackers in space. His ability to line up in the slot or motion out wide adds another dimension to any offense. However, Jacksonville’s priorities are shifting.
After a disappointing 2024 campaign and the selection of Bhayshul Tuten in the fourth round of this year’s draft, the Jaguars may be preparing to move on. On the other side of the coin, Etienne’s $6.7 million cap hit under the fifth-year option is manageable for Denver. His price tag in trade negotiations may be more palatable than expected, especially if Jacksonville prefers to shed salary and retool.
For the Broncos, this would be a no-brainer. Etienne gives them...
