The Denver Broncos had an outstanding season in 2025, ending just short of a Super Bowl opportunity.
The Denver Broncos finished with a record of 14-3, securing the No. 1 seed in the AFC. They won a close game against the Buffalo Bills in the divisional round of the NFL playoffs, with a score of 33-30 in overtime. However, they lost their quarterback, Bo Nix, to injury at the end of that game. In the following playoff game, played in snowy conditions against the New England Patriots, the Broncos, led by backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham, suffered a 10-7 defeat.
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The team is entering the offseason with the goal of improving its roster. Conor Orr from Sports Illustrated is predicting the team will make two significant trades: one for A.J. Brown, a wide receiver from the Philadelphia Eagles, and another for David Montgomery, a running back from the Detroit Lions.
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown (11).Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
(Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images)
“Continuing last season’s aggressive free-agency push to bolster the defense, [Broncos head coach Sean] Payton, spurred by his near miss at reaching Super Bowl LX, will spend multiple picks between the second and fourth rounds to bring in veterans who can keep Denver in the hunt,” Orr wrote.
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The effect of these projected moves would reinforce the championship urgency surrounding the Broncos. After losing Nix to injury in the divisional round and falling short against the New England Patriots, Denver saw firsthand how thin the margin is between a No. 1 seed and a Super Bowl berth. Adding proven veterans would signal that head coach Sean Payton believes the window is wide open right now.
Acquiring Brown would instantly elevate the passing attack, especially in high-leverage postseason moments where contested catches matter most. Pairing him with a physical runner like Montgomery would create offensive balance capable of handling adverse playoff conditions, something Denver struggled with in the snow-filled AFC title game.
Financially, any move for Brown would require a long-term commitment. He is under a lucrative $96 million contract through 2029 that carries significant cap hits in the coming seasons, meaning Denver would not just be trading draft capital but also investing heavily in sustained contention. That type of expenditure underscores an all-in approach: maximizing a 14-3 roster while Nix remains on a rookie contract. If the Broncos believe they are one or two playmakers away, absorbing Brown’s deal could be viewed as the final push toward converting regular-season dominance into a Super Bowl appearance.
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Related: Bills Mock Trade Lands WR to Help Josh Allen
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Feb 22, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.