The 2023 Broncos season has gotten to the point where it is time to discuss who should be moved at the 2023 trading deadline. As the Broncos enter their week six matchup in Kansas City at 1-4, it is a great chance for some veterans who could be looking for new homes this spring to showcase their talents against the NFL's modern juggernaut. The Broncos have several veterans on both sides of the ball who could be on the move in the coming weeks to contending teams. Here are three veterans to highlight as the Broncos head into the trading deadline.
1) Garett Bolles
Bolles has one year left on his contract after 2023, but it is a very team-friendly year that can be easily cut, for a savings north of $10 Million. Bolles, like much of the Broncos carryovers from previous regimes, has seen nothing but losing seasons during his time in Denver. Bolles suffered a grueling leg injury early in the 2022 season, but has returned to the Broncos starting offensive line nicely and has been one of the better tackles in football so far this season. Bolles would be a welcome addition for any team that struggles on the blind side, but one team in particular could be the Bengals, especially if they are able to build off of their week five victory in Arizona.
After moving Bolles, the Broncos could look to multiple places for their next left tackle. Once the team moves on from number 72, the most ideal candidate would be rookie Alex Palczewski. While Palczewski currently sits on the IR after sustaining a substantial injury in training camp, he figures to also be the best bet on their current roster to be their long-term left tackle. After Palczewski, they could also give a look to Cam Fleming, but the backup swing tackle figures to be part of their short-term depth, and could also be on the move at the deadline if Palczewski comes back healthy in time.
2) Josey Jewell
A former 4th round pick, Jewell has become a staple for the Broncos defensively, and is a strong partner for Alex Singleton up the middle. However, Jewell could be on the move very soon. Jewell, who turns 29 on Christmas Day, racked up 128 tackles in just 13 games in 2022, setting a career high. Jewell has missed some time so far this year, but has turned in 24 tackles in just four games. Overall, Jewell's snap count is down from last year. Jewell appeared on 93 percent of the Broncos' defensive snaps last year, but this year is sitting at just 75 percent. With his playing time down and the Broncos looking to move veterans, moving on from Jewell could be what comes next for the Broncos.
After moving Jewell, the Broncos would be able to set up a lengthy string of games for rookie Drew Sanders to prove his worth. The Broncos took Sanders this past year, but the rookie has sat behind Singleton, Jewell, and has another promising backer fighting for playing time next to him on the depth chart in Jonas Griffith, who seemed a rising star before seeing his 2022 end with injuries. Sanders is an explosive and versatile player who played at Alabama before moving to Arkansas, and exploded onto the scene his junior year. In 12 games his junior year, Sanders accumulated 103 total tackles, 9.5 sacks, five pass deflections, three forced fumbles, and one interception. Sanders was an impact Razorback, who could be part of Denver's long-term solution defensively.
3) Jerry Jeudy
Jeudy could go down as one of the greatest "what-if"s in Broncos history. A first round pick out of Alabama, Jeudy entered into a struggling offense that still did not have a clear identity, legitimate quarterback, or a clear vision. However, the former Alabama standout did not miss a step. He hauled in 52 passes for 856 yards his rookie season, with three going for a score. Jeudy missed a handful of games during the 2021 season, but put together his mangum opus in 2022: Jeudy went for 972 receiving yards and 40 rushing yards, crossing the 1,000 all-purpose yards for the first time in his career. Jeudy put up this season while also missing two games, making his season totals all the more impressive.
However, Jeudy's future in Denver is now in question. The wideout has been quiet through the team's first five games, bringing in just 208 yards without any scores. Jeudy missed the team's first game against the Raiders, but has been active for their other four. Jeudy's 2024 option has already been picked up, meaning he has one more year left on his deal after the completion of the 2023 season.
This could be the Broncos' last chance to capitalize on moving Jeudy, while still netting themselves a strong return. This would also give the Broncos the chance to start moving Marvin Mims Jr. into a larger role. The rookie from Oklahoma has been strong in his first five games but has been used sparingly as the team tries to get veterans like Jeudy and Courtland Sutton going in an effort to revive their season.
Expanding Mims' role would also give the front office and Sean Payton a better idea of where his role is going forward, allowing them to better understand what they need to target this spring, both in free agency and the draft.