The Denver Broncos can still make a few moves to put the finishing touches on what could be an elite roster. Let's look at four trades the team could make to make them a true contender. I think the Broncos are in the first tier below contenders. I think they're in a tier with the Miami Dolphins, Baltimore Ravens, Jacksonville Jaguars, etc.
They have not proven to be that good of a team as of now, but I firmly believe they can dance with the best in the AFC. I trust Sean Payton and the changes he made to the roster during the offseason. The Broncos have been an outrageously active team and spent the most money of any team in free agency.
Teams who are unsure about their ability to win don't spend over $200 million in an offseason. The Broncos think they can be legit, and I second that sentiment. Could they make another trade or two to elevate the team into true, contending status?
4 trades to make the Denver Broncos championship contenders in 2023
1. Denver Broncos trade for Danielle Hunter
Reports surfaced weeks ago that Vikings' stud defensive end Danielle Hunter could be traded. The reports also seemed to indicate that the interest was serious. Well, when George Paton was with the Vikings, he likely had a big hand in drafting Hunter out of LSU back in 2015.
He's been one of the best pass rushers of this generation, if we're being honest, and quietly had 10.5 sacks last year. He does seem to be healthy after a couple of years of injury concerns. Hunter is still one of the best in the NFL at getting to the QB from the defensive interior, and the Broncos trading for him would propel this defensive line into an elite category.
They'd then be able to deploy Frank Clark as a stand-up pass rusher and would feature an unfair defensive line of Zach Allen, DJ Jones, and Danielle Hunter.
5 trades to make the Denver Broncos championship contenders in 2023
2. Denver Broncos trade for Derrick Henry
The Tennessee Titans are confusing me, to be honest. It's clear that the team is trying to reset the roster, but are they embracing a full rebuild? It doesn't appear like they are, as both Ryan Tannehill and Derrick Henry are still on the roster.
The Titans overhauled their offensive line, parted with some veteran players, and drafted QB Will Levis this offseason. They are clearly angling toward the future, so why not help themselves out a bit by trading their best player?
They could get a nice haul in return. Derrick Henry is 29 years old and did just come off a season where he rushed for 1,538 yards on 4.4 yards per carry. He's still proven to be a productive running back in the NFL even into his late-20s, so why not take a chance?
Henry would give the Broncos a solidified RB1 and would also form a massively tough duo with Javonte Williams once he returns. This also puts less pressure on Williams to perhaps rush back and contribute as he is still rehabbing his torn ACL.
Acquiring Henry won't be cheap even though he's in the last year of his contract, but it might be worth it. Denver clearly wants to establish the run given their offseason moves, and trading for one of the best RBs in the game would make a ton of sense and would make the offense that much better.
4 trades to make the Denver Broncos championship contenders in 2023
3. Denver Broncos trade for safety Budda Baker
Another trade possibility is the Broncos trading for someone who has enjoyed the best years of his NFL career playing for Vance Joseph, who is now the defensive coordinator of the Denver Broncos. Budda Baker did express a desire to be traded earlier this offseason, and he might not be someone who fits into the long-term plans with the Cardinals.
He does play safety, which is not a valuable position in the NFL, and he is approaching his late-20s, so the Cardinals might rather get some draft picks for him instead of signing him to a long-term extension with much more pressing needs on the roster. Baker has proven to be one of the best at what he does, and from 2019-2022, with Vance Joseph, Baker has tallied four Pro Bowls, one All-Pro, seven interceptions, 26 passes defended, three forced fumbles, 4.5 sacks, 332 total tackles, 21 tackles for loss, and 10 QB hits.
Baker fills up the stat sheet and is an all-around defensive player. He would surely thrive in the Broncos' defense, especially while playing next to Justin Simmons and in a secondary that also houses Patrick Surtain II.
This would be a very, very good trade for the Broncos who'd likely have to sign Baker to a massive contract extension. Some may cringe at the idea of paying big money for two safeties, but honestly, the team could part with Simmons next offseason to relieve some of that financial burden.
Baker is a few years younger and might be a better all-around player, so Denver could enjoy both of their presences for a year, at least. However, Denver could extend Baker and still keep Simmons in the secondary. There is nothing wrong with paying big money to your best players at all.
5 trades to make the Denver Broncos championship contenders in 2023
4. Denver Broncos trade for Connor Williams
Miami Dolphins starting center Connor Williams did not attend the team's minicamp because of his contract situation. He signed with the team last offseason, moved from guard to center, and enjoyed the best year of his career. Williams kind of does have a solid argument for holding out and wanting a new deal.
He began his career with the Dallas Cowboys back in 2018 and played in 57 games for them, starting 51. Williams has one year left on the two-year deal he signed with the Dolphins, and he's owed about $7 million this year. Williams likely wants to be paid like one of the best centers in football, which is fine, because he is.
Well, Denver does not have a clear-cut starter at the position. Perhaps Sean Payton wants to make a call to Miami to see what it would take to get Connor Williams. The Miami Dolphins do, all of a sudden, have a ton of big-time contracts on their roster, and they may need to hand out a couple more next offseason to Jaylen Waddle and Tua Tagovailoa.
Williams might not be a top priority for them considering many OL players who are interior players can play both guard and tackle, so their thought could be that they could find his replacement easier than most positions. However, I could be totally wrong and Connor Williams ends up settling in the Dolphins' lineup for 2023.
The Broncos' center situation is not great. Lloyd Cushenberry is the incumbent and has not looked like a starting-caliber center at any point during his career. Denver has added both Alex Forsyth and Kyle Fuller to the center room this offseason, so if Cush does struggle, I don't think Denver will hesitate to yank him from the lineup.
Or, they could opt for a stronger solution and try to trade for Connor Williams. Trading for Williams would give Denver a top five offensive line in the NFL, something that they haven't had for years.