October 11th 2024.
A third of the way through the season, it's clear to see that the Denver Broncos are a team on the rise. Despite some early struggles, they have managed to string together a three-game winning streak. And while there may be some concerns about their receiving corps, there is still a lot of hope and optimism surrounding this team.
One of the reasons for this hope is the Broncos' impressive defense, which has been able to stifle even the toughest opponents. But perhaps even more encouraging is the gradual improvement of their offense. When you look at their upcoming schedule, it's hard to imagine them not reaching a 6-2 or 5-3 record by the halfway point of the season.
However, in order to maintain this momentum and stay in contention, the Broncos may need to make a move at the trade deadline to bolster their receiving corps. It's no secret that their quarterback, Bo Nix, could use some more reliable targets. And if this team continues to show they are legitimate contenders, they deserve to make a move to improve their chances even further.
There are a few potential options for the Broncos, but the most obvious and appealing choice would be Cincinnati's Tee Higgins. He would represent a significant upgrade, but there are some obstacles in the way of acquiring him. The Bengals' current schedule and finances may make it difficult to strike a deal.
But despite these challenges, it is possible for the Broncos to make a move without sacrificing too much. The Las Vegas Raiders have reportedly asked for a second-round pick in exchange for Davante Adams, a talented receiver with a hefty salary. Could the Broncos land Higgins for a third-round pick instead? The rumored asking price before the season was a second-round pick, but with Higgins approaching free agency, the Bengals' leverage may be diminished.
The question of whether Higgins will even be available remains uncertain. While the Bengals are currently struggling with a 1-4 record, their next few games offer them a chance to turn things around. But if they do falter, it would make sense for the Broncos to make a move for Higgins. At 25 years old, he is significantly younger than their current top receivers Courtland Sutton and Josh Reynolds. And with two 1,000-yard seasons under his belt, he has proven himself as a reliable and talented target for any quarterback.
The Broncos know that they need playmakers, but there has been no indication that they will pursue one until after the season. This is why their upcoming game against the Chargers is so crucial. A victory would not only establish them as legitimate contenders, but it would also show that they are a team on the rise. And while some may see them as a team in transition, coach Sean Payton and owner Greg Penner entered the season with the expectation to improve on last year's performance.
One of the main challenges in acquiring Higgins is his contract. He is currently playing under the $21.8 million franchise tag, which would apply to any acquiring team. This means that a long-term contract cannot be negotiated until after the season. However, the Broncos could still be motivated to take on this cost for two reasons: to boost their struggling passing attack (currently ranked 28th) and to secure Higgins as their No. 1 receiver before he hits the open market.
Of course, making this move work under the salary cap would be a challenge for the Broncos. They have already converted a large portion of Sutton's salary to make room for rookie Pat Surtain II's contract. One potential solution could be to give left tackle Garett Bolles a contract extension. And if that's not enough, they could also consider trading backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham.
Higgins would be a game-changer for the Broncos, bringing a level of talent and skill that they have not had since Demaryius Thomas. In his first three games (he missed some time with a hamstring injury), he has averaged six catches and 61 yards per game, with two touchdowns as the secondary target to Ja'Marr Chase. In comparison, Sutton is currently on pace for 58 catches, 762 yards, and three touchdowns. While these numbers are not bad, they are also not exceptional, and they mirror his stats from the past three seasons. It's worth noting that his 10 touchdowns in 2023 were an outlier, likely due to Russell Wilson's impressive performances.
It's important to mention that this is not a criticism of Sutton, who has shown impressive leadership and maturity in navigating this season with a rookie quarterback. As the team's second-longest-tenured player, he has never experienced a winning season, let alone a playoff berth. These goals require sacrifice, and adding a talented receiver like Higgins would not only make the Broncos a better team, but it would also make Sutton's life easier.
Of course, there are other options for the Broncos, such as rescuing Amari Cooper from Cleveland or trading for veteran tight end Austin Hooper. But neither of these options would have the same impact as adding Higgins to their receiving corps. Winners make bold moves, and if there is a potential game-changing receiver available, the Broncos need to take a big swing and make it happen.
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