A lot of people are bullish on the Denver Broncos right now after the unexpectedly successful season they had in 2024. Quarterback Bo Nix is on a trajectory toward becoming a legitimate franchise player, and the Broncos have one of the best defenses in the NFL that could be even better this fall and winter.

But for them to truly take the next step, they need another weapon or two. Courtland Sutton has proven to be a solid wide receiver threat, but he likely isn’t a Pro Bowl-level player, and their running back room isn’t exactly formidable.

Could Denver make a big splash in free agency next spring? Alex Ballentine of Bleacher Report wrote that the team should go after wideout Terry McLaurin in 2026 as a free agent.

“Terry McLaurin recently requested a trade, but the [Washington] Commanders don’t have to oblige if they want him to play out his current contract,” Ballentine wrote. “If that’s how things happen, then there would be plenty of suitors who would pay up for the 29-year-old.

“If the Broncos continue to be a team on the rise, they would have a compelling pitch as McLaurin could team with Sutton and Nix to give the offense much more juice in 2026.”

Read more: Broncos Two-Time Super Bowl Legend Has Bold Prediction for Team

McLaurin isn’t a spectacular player, but he’s very steady and dependable. Last year, he caught 82 passes and posted 1,096 receiving yards and a career-high 13 touchdowns. In each of the last five seasons, he has had between 1,000 and 1,200 receiving yards and 77 to 87 receptions, and he has made the Pro Bowl twice.

Terry McLaurin
LANDOVER, MARYLAND – AUGUST 23: Terry McLaurin #17 of the Washington Commanders looks on from the bench during the second half of the NFL Preseason 2025 game against the Baltimore Ravensat Northwest Stadium on August…
LANDOVER, MARYLAND – AUGUST 23: Terry McLaurin #17 of the Washington Commanders looks on from the bench during the second half of the NFL Preseason 2025 game against the Baltimore Ravensat Northwest Stadium on August 23, 2025 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Jess Rapfogel/Getty Images)
More
Jess Rapfogel/Getty Images

If Washington doesn’t trade him, he will become a free agent after the conclusion of this season. He should still have plenty left in the tank, as he will turn 30 years of age next month and is entering his seventh NFL season.

Read more: Chargers’ Trey Lance Deserves Starting Job With New Team

Denver was 20th in passing yards and 17th in net yards gained per pass attempt last year. Netting a legitimate air threat, such as McLaurin, would go a long way to helping Nix go from the upstart he currently is to a legitimate Pro Bowler.

In the meantime, the Broncos should be able to compete for a playoff spot on the strength of their defense. They were third in points allowed last year, and the offseason additions of linebacker Dre Greenlaw and safety Talanoa Hufanga should make them even stronger and tougher on defense.

For more on the Broncos and general NFL news, head over to Newsweek Sports.