New England Patriots three trade ideas with the Denver Broncos
The Denver Broncos have been a very active team thus far in the 2023 NFL offseason. Could the New England Patriots strike a deal with Denver before the season begins? Besides Denver spending a ton of money in free agency, they also had their two top wide receivers immersed in trade rumors. Both Jerry Jeudy and Courtland Sutton popped up in rumors this offseason, and the Broncos had apparently almost dealt Sutton to the Baltimore Ravens.
The Patriots seemed to have some form of interest in Jerry Jeudy, but the Broncos alleged high asking price steered some teams away. Well, just because the initial rumors and trade talks didn't go anywhere, doesn't mean the two sides can't work together to get one or more deals done. Both Denver and New England are in urgent spots to win, to perhaps these three trade proposals would help them further their win-now mindset.
New England Patriots three trade ideas with the Denver Broncos
1. Denver Broncos trade for C David Andrews
New England Patriots' center David Andrews has been a fixture on the offensive line for years. He's gotten banged up here and there but is the glue that holds the whole unit together. However, he is 30 years old and has just two years left on his current contract.
The Patriots also drafted three interior offensive linemen in the 2023 NFL Draft, so I think the writing is on the wall for an Andrews' departure in the near future. Well, the Pats can save about $5 million on their cap number by trading him, and the one spot along the Denver Broncos' OL that needs help is at center. Perhaps a mid-round pick, like a fourth-rounder may be enough for the Patriots to part with Andrews.
They'd at least get some draft capital to help for the long-term instead of letting Andrews hit the market when his contract is up.
2. New England Patriots trade for WR Courtland Sutton
There appears to be some form of mutual interest between the Patriots and free agent wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins. If Hopkins were to sign with a different team, perhaps the Patriots would pivot to another WR. The Broncos' WR room was in trade rumors this offseason, and I do think one could be dealt for the right price.
Denver added both Marvin Mims Jr and Marquez Callaway to their WR room this offseason, and Tim Patrick is set to return from his torn ACL. Someone like Courtland Sutton might be expendable, and could be had for the right price. He'd be a younger, better, and faster version of DeVante Parker, who the Patriots' just extended.
I think he'd slide in nicely next to JuJu Smith-Schuster and could form a nice trio with them and Parker. Perhaps Tyquan Thornton also takes a step forward as well. I'm not sure what it would cost to land Sutton, but a trade for him might be worth it.
3. New England Patriots trade for EDGE Nik Bonitto
The Patriots did take a pass rusher in the 2023 NFL Draft. However, with Matt Judon getting older and Josh Uche being a free agent at the end of the season, they could have more reason to add to the position. Broncos' EDGE rusher Nik Bonitto was a 2022 NFL Draft pick of the second round.
He had limited action during his rookie season and is still a bit rough against the run. However, the Patriots have always had sound coaching on defense, so Bonitto having great pass rush ability might be enough for the Patriots to see what they could get out of him.
Right now, though, he's very raw, in my opinion, but the ceiling is there. The Broncos may also have a reason to part with a pass rusher. Besides Bonitto, the Broncos also have Randy Gregory, Baron Browning, Frank Clark, Jonathon Cooper, and Chris Allen as outside pass rushers. While they don't have any elite names, the room is deep, and Bonitto could be expendable for the right price.