The Denver Broncos introduced Sean Payton as their 20th head coach in franchise history earlier this week as it starts a new era (and hopefully a successful one) in Mile High.
With how the roster is currently constructed, there are apparent pieces missing to build a winning team. Bill Parcells, who Sean Payton learned from, always said that every position (except QB if the team has one) needs to be upgraded in some capacity.
Whether it’s adding a new starter, depth, or young and upcoming talent, every position can be improved. In addition, as injuries arise and the skill levels at each position continue to evolve, Payton can add talent to key positions that need it.
Free agency will be significant for Denver this off-season but the trade market could be interesting to look at. Payton could be looking to reunite with former players and execute trades for talented players that fans may want.
Here are five trades the Broncos can execute because of the new head coach, Sean Payton.
Broncos could trade for New Orleans Saints WR Michael Thomas
An obvious trade candidate for Payton and the Broncos is WR Michael Thomas from the New Orleans Saints, who may be a cap casualty, which makes this trade realistic.
Thomas has been riddled with injuries as he has played ten games in the last three seasons. While this may be an issue, there was some concern about what is happening with the medical team in New Orleans with Thomas.
Thomas and the front office have not seen eye-to-eye in recent years and no one knows that situation more than his former head coach. However, if Payton does his due diligence and examines if Thomas can be fully committed to playing a whole season (with health being the main priority), this could be a realistic trade that can make sense for the Broncos.
Not only does Thomas know Payton’s offensive system, but he is also one of the top receivers when healthy. The WR room needs depth and improved play behind Jerry Jeudy and Thomas can fit in perfectly with Denver.
Russell Wilson loves big targets and receivers and Thomas fits that description perfectly. If all the information they can gather on Thomas is positive, the wide receiver room can have a former Offensive Player of the Year.