3 Longshot Strategies for the Denver Broncos in 2025
The Denver Broncos’ 2024 season could be a pivotal year for the franchise. With the team looking to rebound from years of mediocrity and a failed attempt at rebuilding under previous leadership, the Broncos are well-positioned to make a major splash in the 2025 offseason. With an estimated $60 million in cap space and two valuable draft picks in the first and second rounds, the Broncos will have both the financial flexibility and draft capital to address critical areas of need. This combination of resources could give the franchise the opportunity to make some longshot moves, potentially propelling them into playoff contention and beyond.
One area where the Broncos are sorely lacking is in offensive playmakers. After a series of struggles at quarterback, including the inconsistent performance of Russell Wilson, the need for weapons that can take some of the pressure off the signal-caller is paramount. The Broncos need to add talent at wide receiver and tight end and may look for a new starting center or even a more explosive running back to give their offense more versatility and explosiveness.
Beyond addressing offense, the Broncos might also look at longshot moves to bolster other key areas. Whether it’s revamping their offensive line or making a splash in the trade market to acquire a game-changing wide receiver, the offseason holds plenty of opportunities for Denver to make a statement. Let’s take a look at three longshot moves the Denver Broncos could make in 2025 that could reshape their roster and make them a more competitive team moving forward.
1. Trading for Dallas Cowboys WR CeeDee Lamb
One of the biggest needs for the Broncos heading into the 2025 offseason is finding a true WR1. Despite the presence of solid contributors like Jerry Jeudy and Courtland Sutton, neither player has yet to step up as a true top-tier playmaker at the position. Denver’s inability to get consistent production from its receiving corps has been a point of frustration for the offense. While Sutton has shown flashes of his former Pro Bowl form, Jeudy has yet to break out as the elite talent many thought he could become when he was drafted in the first round in 2020. The team’s inability to find a top-flight target has left them scrambling for answers at quarterback, while also stunting the development of their signal-caller.
This is where CeeDee Lamb could come into play. The Dallas Cowboys have been a well-run organization in recent years, but they are not immune to the challenges of an NFL franchise. The Cowboys are in a win-now mode with a talented but aging roster, and with questions swirling around quarterback Dak Prescott’s long-term future after his recent hamstring injury, Dallas could soon find itself needing to rebuild. One of the key pieces that could be on the trade block is CeeDee Lamb, the team’s star wide receiver who has quickly developed into one of the top playmakers at his position.
Lamb, who has established himself as a legitimate top-tier wideout, is in the midst of another standout season for Dallas. With his combination of size, speed, and route-running precision, Lamb is one of the few players who can take over a game from the receiver position. He’s everything the Broncos need in a number one receiver. But with the Cowboys likely facing a crossroads in the near future, they may entertain the idea of trading him to kick-start a rebuild. With the Cowboys in need of depth along both lines of scrimmage and a lack of a consistent running game, Lamb could be an attractive asset that could net them multiple draft picks.
For the Broncos, this could be the perfect opportunity to make a splash. While the move would certainly cost them a significant amount in terms of draft capital — potentially a 2025 first-round pick and more — it could completely transform the offense. Denver would finally have a legitimate WR1 in Lamb, a player who has the potential to become the centerpiece of the passing game and take some of the pressure off the quarterback position. With the cap space available, the Broncos could make this move to solidify the future of their offense and set themselves up to compete in the AFC West.
While this move remains a longshot given the Cowboys’ success and potential desire to keep their star receiver, the possibility of Lamb becoming available — particularly if the Cowboys struggle or move into a rebuilding phase — makes this trade worth considering for the Broncos. It would be an aggressive move, but one that could pay huge dividends if they are able to pull it off.
2. Trading for Cincinnati Bengals WR Ja’Marr Chase
While a trade for CeeDee Lamb might feel like a bold move, there’s another star wide receiver who could be even more of a game-changer for the Broncos: Ja’Marr Chase of the Cincinnati Bengals. Chase is in his fourth season in the NFL, and he has already solidified himself as one of the best wide receivers in the game. With explosive plays, deep-threat capability, and an incredible knack for making contested catches, Chase is a player who can change the dynamic of a team’s offense.
The Cincinnati Bengals have struggled to lock down key players in recent years, and while they’ve had success with quarterback Joe Burrow and the trio of wide receivers that includes Chase, Tee Higgins, and Tyler Boyd, the Bengals front office has been known for its conservative approach to paying players. Cincinnati is often reluctant to hand out huge contracts, and as Chase approaches his contract extension talks, there could be friction between the player and the team. If the Bengals fail to reach a long-term deal with Chase, there’s a chance that he could request a trade, especially if the Bengals are unable to keep up with the demands of their star wideout.
For the Broncos, the opportunity to acquire a player of Chase’s caliber would be a franchise-altering move. A trade for Chase would likely require the Broncos to give up their 2025 first-round pick and perhaps more, but it could be worth the steep price. With Burrow’s connection to Chase and the Bengals’ tendency to keep their salary cap tight, there’s a chance that a trade could become a reality if the Bengals are unwilling or unable to pay their star receiver what he deserves.
In a perfect world, the Broncos could trade for Chase, giving them a legitimate top-tier weapon that could transform their offense. Pairing Chase with Jerry Jeudy and Courtland Sutton would give Denver one of the most dangerous receiving trios in the league. A move like this would not only help the Broncos compete within the AFC West but also position them for a much-needed playoff push.
3. Signing LT Ronnie Stanley
Another key area where the Broncos could look to make a major move is along the offensive line. For years, Denver has struggled with inconsistent play from its offensive line, which has caused issues in both the running game and pass protection. One position that has been a constant source of concern is left tackle, where Garett Bolles has been solid but not necessarily the elite player the Broncos were hoping for when they drafted him in the first round in 2017.
Bolles is set to become a free agent after the 2024 season, and the Broncos may opt to move on from him if they feel they can upgrade at the position. One potential option could be to pursue Ronnie Stanley, the left tackle for the Baltimore Ravens. Stanley, who is also set to hit the free-agent market, has been a staple of the Ravens’ offensive line for years. Although he’s battled injuries over the past few seasons, Stanley has shown he can still be a top-tier tackle when healthy. At 28 years old, Stanley is younger than Bolles and could offer the Broncos an upgrade at left tackle.
If the Broncos decide to move on from Bolles, Stanley could be the perfect replacement. His ability to anchor the left side of the line would give the Broncos more stability up front and improve their overall offensive performance. While it may be a longshot due to Stanley’s injury history and the financial commitment that would be required, the Broncos could use their cap space to make a strong push for Stanley. The move would also provide the added benefit of getting younger at the position, something the Broncos could prioritize as they look to retool their roster for the future.
However, the 2025 offseason could be a defining moment for the Denver Broncos. With ample cap space, draft capital, and a sense of urgency to improve their roster, the Broncos could make some bold moves that would change the direction of the franchise. While acquiring top-tier wide receivers like CeeDee Lamb or Ja’Marr Chase may seem like a longshot, the team’s financial flexibility and resources make these trades plausible. Additionally, pursuing a high-profile left tackle like Ronnie Stanley could solidify the Broncos’ offensive line for years to come. If the Broncos are able to pull off any combination of these moves, they could quickly return to relevance in the AFC West and become a major contender in the league.
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