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CINCINNATI, OHIO – DECEMBER 28: Marvin Harrison Jr. #18 of the Arizona Cardinals warms up prior to a game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium on December 28, 2025 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)

Denver Broncos wide receiver trade rumors are heating up, and one insider recently connected the Broncos to A.J. Brown, Jaylen Waddle, Brandon Aiyuk, Marvin Harrison Jr., and Brian Thomas Jr. as big-name WR trade possibilities to monitor this offseason.

Erick Trickel of Sports Illustrated pointed toward these receivers as potential options who could help Denver reshape its receiver room ahead of the 2026 season.

The WR position has quickly emerged as one of the Broncos’ most pressing offseason needs as they look to add more consistent playmaking to Sean Payton’s offense.

The Broncos were active in trade discussions before last November’s deadline and appear poised to keep exploring that route this offseason.

While these are just trade hypotheticals, the common thread is that each receiver could fill a different need in Sean Payton’s offense if Denver decides to make a move once trades officially open in March.

Big-Name WRs Who Could Upgrade Denver’s Offense

One of the biggest names mentioned is A.J. Brown, whose physical style and yards-after-catch ability would immediately elevate Denver’s passing game.

Brown’s name has been floated in many trade discussions so far this offseason,

Roughly a third of Brown’s career receiving yards have come after the catch, and his strength makes him difficult to bring down in space.

While concerns about his attitude have followed him from Tennessee to Philadelphia, Payton has managed similar personalities before, most notably Michael Thomas, which could make the fit more realistic than it appears on the surface.

Another familiar rumor involves Jaylen Waddle, whom the Broncos were reportedly monitoring before the trade deadline back in November.

Waddle’s speed and versatility align well with how Payton likes to stress defenses, particularly on screens and quick hitters.

Despite occasional drops earlier in his career, Waddle trimmed that number to just three last season, making him a more reliable option with explosiveness.

Other Wide Receiver Options With Upside and Risk

Brandon Aiyuk stands out as the clearest potential trade candidate.

San Francisco has openly signaled it is ready to move on, and while off-field and medical concerns exist, his on-field fit makes sense.

Aiyuk’s ability to line up in multiple roles could help maximize Courtland Sutton and Denver’s younger receivers.

There’s also intrigue around Marvin Harrison Jr., whose early NFL career has been uneven.

Still only entering Year 3, Harrison’s raw talent and untapped upside could appeal to Payton’s developmental track record.

Trading for Harrison would definitely require the Broncos to give up more in return.

Finally, Brian Thomas Jr. represents another upside swing.

After a strong rookie season, Thomas regressed in 2025, and Jacksonville’s late-season depth at receiver amid Parker Washington’s emergence has sparked trade chatter.

While his lack of blocking and physicality could be a concern in Denver, his vertical traits mirror what the Broncos have tried to develop internally.

None of these names guarantees a deal or even availability, but the Broncos continuing to be linked to the trade market shows how serious they are about upgrading the wide receiver position this offseason.

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