October 11th 2024.
At this point in the season, the Broncos are finding success in almost every area except for their receivers. Despite this, they have managed to secure a three-game winning streak, giving fans a glimmer of hope. With a strong defense and a steadily improving offense, the Broncos have the potential to reach a record of 6-2 or 5-3 by the halfway point of the season. However, in order to solidify their chances, they will need to make a move at the trade deadline to add a proven receiver to their roster. This is especially vital for quarterback Bo Nix, and if the team continues to perform well, it would only be fair for them to make this addition.
One name that has been thrown around as a potential target for the Broncos is Cincinnati's Tee Higgins. He would be a significant upgrade, but there are some complications in acquiring him, such as finances and the Bengals' schedule. However, it is important to note that the Broncos do not have to go all-in to make this happen. Acquiring a receiver would only require a minimal amount of draft capital, and the Raiders have already set a precedent by asking for a second-rounder and salary absorption for Davante Adams. It is possible that the Broncos could land Higgins for a third-round pick, as the Bengals' leverage has decreased due to his impending free agency.
The question remains whether or not Higgins will even be available for trade. While the Bengals currently have a 1-4 record, their next four games provide an opportunity for them to turn things around. If they do falter, however, Higgins could be a valuable asset for the Broncos. At only 25 years old, he is significantly younger than the Broncos' current top two receivers, Courtland Sutton and Josh Reynolds. Plus, the Broncos have not had a receiver surpass 1,000 yards since 2019, while Higgins has achieved this feat twice in his career. He is also known for his ability to gain yards after the catch and fits the mold of Broncos' coach Sean Payton at 6-foot-4, 220 pounds.
The Broncos are aware of their need for playmakers, but there have been no indications that they will pursue one until after the season. This is why their upcoming game against the Chargers is crucial. A win would solidify the Broncos as contenders, and while some may see them as a team in transition, Payton and owner Greg Penner entered the season with the expectation of improving upon last year's record.
Acquiring Higgins would be a complicated process, as he is currently playing under the $21.8 million franchise tag. This means that any team that acquires him would be responsible for his remaining salary, and a long-term contract cannot be negotiated until after the season. However, the Broncos could potentially use this to their advantage by using the remaining nine weeks of the season to showcase Higgins' talents and then signing him to a new deal before he becomes a free agent. Of course, this would also require some maneuvering under the salary cap, as the Broncos are currently tight on funds. One potential solution could be to give left tackle Garett Bolles a contract extension, and if that is not enough, they could also consider trading backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham.
Higgins would be a game-changer for the Broncos, as he possesses all the qualities they have been lacking since the days of Demaryius Thomas. In his three games this season (he missed some time due to a hamstring injury), he has averaged six catches and 61 yards per game, with two touchdowns. By comparison, the Broncos' leading receiver, Sutton, is on pace for 58 catches, 762 yards, and three touchdowns. While Sutton's leadership is admirable, and he has been navigating this season with a rookie quarterback, it is clear that he would benefit from having a strong receiver like Higgins by his side. His stats and separation on routes have been suffering, but his veteran presence and team-first mentality have not gone unnoticed. As the second-longest tenured player on the team, Sutton has never experienced a winning season or a playoff berth. If they want to achieve these goals, sacrifices will need to be made, and adding Higgins to the team would not only make them better, but it would also make Sutton's life easier.
Of course, there are other options for the Broncos to consider, such as rescuing Amari Cooper from Cleveland or trading for veteran tight end Austin Hooper. However, these options may not have the same impact as adding Higgins to the team. It is clear that the Broncos need to make a bold move in order to solidify their chances of success this season. If there is a receiver like Higgins available in the near future, the Broncos would be wise to take a big swing and make it happen. Don't miss out on any Broncos news by signing up for the Broncos Insider today.
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