With the NFL trade deadline (Nov. 5) now less than two weeks away, the Denver Broncos should consider giving a boost to the offensive by bringing in some playmakers to give rookie quarterback Bo Nix more weapons.
Yesterday, we listed five tight ends the Broncos could target leading up to the deadline. Today, we have a quick list of five wide receivers for Denver to consider.
Courtland Sutton is the clear WR1, but behind him, the Broncos have unproven youngsters, a journeyman in Lil’Jordan Humphrey and a currently injured veteran in Josh Reynolds. Denver could use a big threat at the position to complement Sutton in Sean Payton’s offense.
WRs Broncos should target before NFL trade deadline
1. WR Cooper Kupp, Rams: Yes, he’s 31 and has some injury concerns, but Kupp can still play at a high level. The Broncos do not have a dynamic slot receiver and Kupp could instantly become a favorite target for Nix. L.A. wants a second-round pick, but it remains to be seen if teams would pay that much for Kupp.
2. WR Tee Higgins, Bengals: Higgins has been a popular name in trade speculation leading up to the deadline. The 25-year-old receiver has totaled 29 receptions for 341 yards and three touchdowns through five games — those totals would lead the Broncos in all three categories this season.
3. WR Diontae Johnson, Panthers: Carolina probably wouldn’t trade Johnson (28) to Denver right before playing against the Broncos, but the team should check in on the WR’s status next week. The Panthers are 1-6 and might be willing to acquire more draft capital in exchange for a talented receiver playing in a bad offense.
4. WR Christian Kirk, Jaguars: Brian Thomas is having a breakout rookie season in Jacksonville, which might make Kirk (27) expendable. He’s two years removed from a 1,000-yard, eight-touchdown season and has 25 receptions for 320 yards and one score through seven games this fall.
5. WR DeAndre Hopkins, Titans: “Nuk” would instantly draw attention away from Sutton and other WRs in Denver’s offense. The 1-5 Titans would probably be willing to part with a 32-year-old Hopkins, who still has gas left in the tank in his 12th season. Update: The Titans are trading DeAndre Hopkins to the Chiefs.
Bonus: Another name to keep an eye on is Mike Williams (30), who has become expendable for the Jets after they brought in Davante Adams last week.
The NFL trade deadline is 2 p.m. MT (4 p.m. ET) on Tuesday, Nov. 5.
