As the 2024 NFL offseason progresses, the Denver Broncos are focusing on improving their roster to boost their competitiveness for the upcoming season following their 8-9 record in 2023, which saw them miss the playoffs.
This has led to a strategic evaluation of areas requiring enhancement, with a particular emphasis on pursuing trades for influential players who can make an immediate impact. In this evaluation, we delve into one player whom the Broncos should target to strengthen their squad and improve their prospects for success in the 2024 NFL season.
The Broncos’ 2023 Season
As the final whistle signaled the end of the Broncos’ Week 18 match against the Las Vegas Raiders, both teams gathered at midfield for the customary post-game handshakes. Despite the disappointment of the loss, the Broncos’ resilience and relentless effort earned applause from their disappointed yet supportive fans.
Upon analyzing the game and the entire season, it becomes evident that the Broncos encountered numerous challenges, including injuries and inconsistency. However, amidst these difficulties, the team demonstrated moments of brilliance and maintained a strong team spirit, notably showcased by a notable five-game winning streak from Week 7 to 12. During this period, they secured victories against formidable opponents such as the Green Bay Packers, Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills, and Cleveland Browns.
As the offseason approaches, optimism and determination resonate among the players, coaching staff, and fan base alike. There is a collective eagerness to regroup and return with renewed energy in the upcoming season. The Broncos are committed to learning from past experiences and striving for excellence in the new season, buoyed by the unwavering support of their devoted fans.
The Broncos’ Offseason Outlook
The Denver Broncos are facing significant financial constraints as they head into the offseason, exacerbated by current salary cap overages and the confirmed departure of Russell Wilson. It’s crucial for the team’s fiscal health to find a trade partner willing to collaborate on favorable financial terms.
Looking ahead to the upcoming season, changes are expected in the Broncos’ passing game. Both Jerry Jeudy and Courtland Sutton have emerged as potential trade assets. With limited draft picks and a need for cost-effective contracts, the Broncos are prioritizing value. Both Jeudy and Sutton present opportunities to acquire valuable draft picks. However, it’s important to note that their playing styles may not align with head coach Sean Payton’s preferences. Trading Jeudy could result in savings of $13 million, while dealing Sutton could yield $14 million in savings.
With these factors in mind, let’s explore the ideal trade scenario that the Denver Broncos should pursue during the 2024 NFL offseason.
Trade for Jaycee Horn
Broncos get: QB Jaycee Horn and a future late-round draft pick
Panthers get: WR Jerry Jeudy
Within the realm of potential moves for the Broncos, an intriguing option emerges with Carolina Panthers cornerback Jaycee Horn. Despite sharing the same draft class as Broncos cornerback Patrick Surtain II, Horn’s career trajectory since the 2021 NFL draft has taken a notably different path.
Selected just ahead of Surtain in the draft, Horn has faced challenges in his career, including injury setbacks as he approaches the fourth year of his rookie deal. Given the Broncos’ financial constraints, targeting players on rookie contracts who may have encountered difficulties presents a sensible strategy.
Standing at 6’1, Horn has demonstrated resilience and impressive ball skills despite his setbacks. He showcased his abilities with three interceptions and seven passes deflected during the 2023 season.
Currently, the Broncos possess a roster that includes five other cornerbacks for the upcoming season, such as Damarri Mathis and 2022 third-round pick Riley Moss. Acquiring Horn would provide the Broncos with another tall, rangy cornerback who possesses adept ball-hawking skills.
Worth it?
As the Panthers approach the upcoming offseason, they are faced with the decision of whether to exercise Jaycee Horn’s fifth-year option on his rookie contract, a pivotal choice for the team. They may consider delegating this responsibility to another NFL franchise. While Horn’s availability might not inherently reflect second or even third-round value, proposing a player like Jerry Jeudy to Carolina could facilitate the deal. The Broncos would also receive at least one more pick in return, making them potential candidates for such a transaction.
Debates emerge regarding the fairness of trading Horn and a Day 3 pick for Jeudy. The exchange of former first-round selections, drafted within a year of each other, raises questions about its equitable value. Despite concerns over Horn’s durability, his ability to neutralize opponents holds significant value for Carolina’s secondary. On the other hand, Jeudy has yet to establish himself as a dependable number-one option within the Broncos’ offense.
To make the deal advantageous for the Panthers, additional compensation from the Broncos, even if minimal, would be beneficial. Preserving Horn, with his potential to ascend as a dominant cornerback, remains a priority. Meanwhile, the Panthers might explore alternative options for a veteran wide receiver, considering Jeudy’s performance.
Looking Ahead
As the Broncos navigate the complexities of the 2024 offseason, the potential acquisition of Jaycee Horn emerges as a strategic opportunity. With Horn’s capability to strengthen the defense and enhance the existing talent pool, Denver could secure a valuable asset. However, the proposed trade’s intricacies highlight the delicate equilibrium between addressing immediate requirements and evaluating long-term benefits. As the offseason progresses, the Broncos must carefully assess their options, taking into account the opportunities and challenges ahead. The decisions made by Denver in the coming months will significantly influence the franchise’s trajectory as it endeavors to achieve excellence in the forthcoming season.
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