The Denver Broncos currently hold just six draft picks and they are projected to be $24 million over the salary cap. The Broncos could address both of those dilemmas through trades this spring, freeing up cap space and acquiring more draft capital by parting ways with pricy veterans.
Pat Surtain likely has the most trade value on Denver’s roster, but he is the club’s best player and still playing on a team-friendly rookie contract. The Broncos seem unlikely to trade Surtain (perhaps unless they attempt to trade up for the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft).
We didn’t include Surtain on this list because he is young and affordable, exactly the kind of player Denver should build around. Barring a blockbuster move for a top quarterback prospect, PS2 is presumably safe.
These five other players could be available, though. The Broncos might not draw much interest for a few of them, but the team would probably be willing to part with any of them — if the price is right.
Potential salary cap savings provided by OverTheCap.com.
1
WR Jerry Jeudy (Potential savings: $12,987,000)
Of the five players on this list, Jeudy seems like the most realistic candidate for a trade. He’s still young (24), still under contract for a reasonable amount ($12.98 million) and a talented route runner. Denver has listened to offers for Jeudy for the last two years and they might finally get a deal done in 2024.
2
WR Courtland Sutton (Potential savings: $9,745,588)
Denver has also entertained trade offers for Sutton in recent years, and he’s coming off a season in which he scored a career-high 10 touchdowns. If the Broncos can’t find a trade partner, they will probably adjust Sutton’s contract by converting part of his salary into a signing bonus to free up 2024 cap space.
3
OT Garett Bolles (Potential savings: $16,000,000)
The Broncos seem unlikely to trade Bolles because that would leave them without a starting left tackle and they are already in danger of losing center Lloyd Cushenberry in free agency. If teams call about Bolles, though, Denver will undoubtedly listen. The Broncos could also create some 2024 cap space by giving Bolles an extension.
4
DB Justin Simmons (Potential savings: $14,500,000)
Simmons is scheduled to become a free agent next year and he’ll turn 32 during the 2025 season. Unless the Broncos are confident they can contend for a Super Bowl before Simmons hits free agency, it would make sense to listen to trade offers while Simmons still has trade value.
5
QB Russell Wilson (Potential savings: TBD)
Depending on the timing of the trade and Wilson’s hypothetical agreement with the team acquiring him, the Broncos could get some salary cap relief if they traded the quarterback this spring. The problem would be finding a team willing to take on Wilson’s massive contract. Denver could make it easier for the acquiring team by agreeing to pay part of Wilson’s contract, but even that might not be enough to get a trade done. If clubs expect the Broncos to release Wilson in March, they would have no reason to make a trade with Wilson expected to eventually hit free agency. He’s a player that Denver seems ready to part with, so we’re including him on this list because while unlikely, a trade is possible.
