October 11th 2024.
At this point in the season, the Denver Broncos are sitting pretty with a three-game winning streak. Despite their success, there is one area of concern: their receivers. With a tough defense and an improving offense, the Broncos have a promising future ahead of them. However, their current schedule shows that they have the potential to reach a record of 6-2 or 5-3 by the halfway point of the season.
Knowing this, it's important for the Broncos to make a move before the trade deadline on November 5th. Adding a proven receiver would greatly benefit quarterback Bo Nix and the team as a whole, especially if they continue to stay in playoff contention. The obvious choice would be Cincinnati's Tee Higgins, who would provide a significant upgrade to the Broncos' receiving corps. However, the financial aspect and the Bengals' current schedule make it a complicated trade.
But before anyone starts complaining, let's remember that it's possible to make a move without going all-in. Acquiring a receiver would only require a minimal amount of draft capital. In fact, there are rumors that the Raiders are asking for a second-round pick and absorbing the remaining salary for Davante Adams. With that in mind, could the Broncos land Higgins for a third-round pick? The Bengals' leverage may have decreased as Higgins moves closer to free agency, making it a more feasible trade option.
However, the question remains whether or not Higgins will even be available. While the Bengals are currently struggling with a 1-4 record, their next four games could turn things around for them. So if they do falter, why should the Broncos go after Higgins? At only 25 years old, he's almost four years younger than the Broncos' current top two receivers, Courtland Sutton and Josh Reynolds. Plus, the Broncos haven't had a 1,000-yard receiver since 2019, while Higgins has accomplished this feat twice already. His size, talent, and ability to produce yards after the catch make him a perfect fit for the Broncos' offense.
The Broncos are well aware of their need for playmakers, but it's uncertain if they will pursue one before the season ends. That's why their upcoming game against the Chargers is so crucial. A win would solidify them as a contender, and while some may view them as a team in transition, coach Sean Payton and owner Greg Penner entered the season with the expectation to improve upon their record from last year.
And while they have made improvements in many areas, receiver is not one of them. Acquiring Higgins would be complicated due to his current contract and the salary cap. However, it would be worth it to boost their struggling passing attack, which currently ranks 28th in the league. Plus, signing him to a new deal as a No. 1 receiver before he becomes a free agent would be a huge bonus.
In order to make this happen, the Broncos would likely need to make some adjustments to their salary cap, such as giving left tackle Garett Bolles a contract extension. And if that's not enough, they could also trade backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham. While it may be difficult, the potential payoff of adding Higgins to their roster would be well worth it.
Higgins would bring a much-needed dynamic to the Broncos' receiving corps, something they haven't had since the days of Demaryius Thomas. In just three games this season (he missed time due to a hamstring injury), he has already shown his talent as a secondary target to Ja'Marr Chase, averaging six catches and 61 yards per game with two touchdowns. In comparison, the Broncos' leading receiver, Sutton, is on pace for 58 catches, 762 yards, and three touchdowns, which are similar to his stats from the last three seasons.
This is not a criticism of Sutton, but rather an acknowledgement that he would thrive as a No. 2 receiver alongside Higgins. This would also allow Reynolds, who has been dealing with multiple injuries, to take on a more suitable role. Sutton's leadership and willingness to put the team first are admirable, especially as he navigates this experience with a rookie quarterback. And as the team's second longest-tenured player, he has yet to experience a winning season or a playoff berth, making it all the more important for him to make sacrifices for the team's success. Adding Higgins to the mix would not only make the Broncos a better team, but it would also make Sutton's job easier.
Of course, there are other options available, such as rescuing Amari Cooper from Cleveland or trading for veteran tight end Austin Hooper. But these options don't have the same potential impact as acquiring Higgins. Winners are willing to make bold moves, and if there's a chance to add a receiver like Higgins, the Broncos should take it. This could be the missing piece to their puzzle on their road to the playoffs.
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