Insider Revives Broncos Trade Rumor With Deadline Approaching

The phone rang often at Denver Broncos HQ during the offseason. With the NFL trade deadline approaching on October 31, the Broncos are making it known that their two veteran wide receivers are not for sale, according to The Athletic's Dianna Russini.

For now, I’m told the Broncos are not looking to move any offensive players. This is despite receivers Jerry Jeudy and Courtland Sutton drawing trade interest in the offseason.

This is more evidence that the Broncos' organizational thought process is still focused on making a go of the 2023 season. Sean Payton isn't trying to tank... for now.

The Broncos entered Week 5's tilt with the New York Jets at 1-3, and unless Payton can find a way to get his crew into ship-shape over the next quarter of the season, the thinking might change by the trade deadline.

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Entering Week 5, Sutton had 20 receptions for 216 yards and a co-team-high three touchdowns. His stats would look even nicer were it not for a couple of bad fumbles in Week 4, a dropped touchdown in Week 3, and some untimely team penalties that have wiped Sutton scores off the scoreboard.

Meanwhile, Jeudy's 2023 campaign has gotten off to a slower start. He missed the season opener and entered Week 5 with 11 receptions for 158 yards. Jeudy hasn't found the end zone since last December.

Tim Patrick's season-ending injury in training camp left the Broncos' wide receiver corps shorthanded. But rookie Marvin Mims Jr.'s impressive debut has offset the Patrick loss somewhat.

As the No. 4 receiver, Brandon Johnson has made some big plays for the Broncos, catching three touchdowns so far to tie Sutton for the team lead. However, Johnson has also had a few very costly penalties.

For now, the Broncos are pushing to compete in 2023. But the next three games will dictate whether there's a change of heart at Dove Valley, pushing the Broncos to become sellers at the deadline.

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