With the Denver Broncos knocking on the door of contention, the front office is expected to stay aggressive this offseason-especially when it comes to surrounding rookie quarterback Bo Nix with the kind of playmakers who can elevate the offense. One trade proposal making the rounds would certainly qualify as a blockbuster: A deal that would send Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown to Denver in exchange for cornerback Riley Moss, a 2026 second-round pick, and a 2027 fifth-rounder, with the Broncos also receiving a 2026 fifth-round pick in return.
The Proposed Trade:
- Broncos receive: WR A.J. Brown, 2026 5th-round pick
- Eagles receive: CB Riley Moss, 2026 2nd-round pick, 2027 5th-round pick
There’s a lot to unpack here, starting with the financials. A.J.
Brown isn’t just one of the league’s most physically dominant wideouts-he’s also carrying a hefty contract. Acquiring him would mean the Broncos are taking on a sizable cap hit, while the Eagles would be left with significant dead money on their books.
That’s not a small detail in today’s NFL, where cap flexibility can be just as important as talent acquisition.
But for Denver, the question becomes: Is the potential reward worth the cost?
Why Denver Might Be Willing to Deal Riley Moss
From a roster construction standpoint, the Broncos may feel they’re in a position to move a starting corner like Moss. Patrick Surtain II remains one of the league’s elite boundary corners, and Ja’Quan McMillian has been excellent in the slot. McMillian is a restricted free agent this offseason, but the expectation is that he’ll return-likely on a short-term deal unless an extension is worked out.
Then there’s Jahdae Barron, Denver’s 2025 first-round pick. The former Texas standout saw limited action as a rookie, logging just over 300 snaps, mostly in the slot.
But the Broncos clearly have long-term plans for him. Barron won the Jim Thorpe Award in 2024 as the nation’s top defensive back, playing primarily outside.
That versatility gives the Broncos the confidence to plug him in as a boundary corner opposite Surtain, potentially making Moss expendable.
Moss is entering the final year of his rookie contract, and Denver will soon have to make a decision between him and McMillian. Rather than risk losing Moss in free agency for nothing, the Broncos could use him to help land a true No. 1 receiver-a position they’ve been trying to solidify for years.
What A.J. Brown Would Bring to Denver
Let’s talk about A.J. Brown.
At his best, he’s a nightmare for defenses-big, physical, and capable of turning a 50-50 ball into a 70-30 advantage. That’s exactly the kind of receiver that can help a young quarterback like Bo Nix, who’s still developing his deep-ball accuracy.
Brown’s ability to win in contested-catch situations could erase some of those early mistakes and give Nix a reliable target in high-pressure moments.
Head coach Sean Payton has a track record of maximizing big-bodied receivers. Think Marques Colston in New Orleans.
Think Michael Thomas. Brown fits that mold-only with even more explosive playmaking ability after the catch.
Pairing Brown with Courtland Sutton, who would slide into a complementary WR2 role, could give the Broncos their most dynamic receiving duo in years.
The Risk Factor
Of course, it’s not all upside. Brown is coming off a down year in Philadelphia, including some costly drops in the playoffs. There have also been rumblings about locker room tension, though how much of that falls on Brown versus the broader dysfunction in Philly is up for debate.
Still, trading for Brown would be a swing-for-the-fences move by Denver. It’s the kind of deal that signals a belief in Bo Nix’s upside, Sean Payton’s system, and the team’s ability to win now. But it also comes with financial and locker room risks-not to mention the cost of a starting-caliber corner and a valuable second-round pick.
Bottom Line
This proposed trade isn’t just about talent-it’s about timing. The Broncos came within a score of reaching the Super Bowl.
They’ve got a young quarterback on a rookie contract, a defense that’s mostly intact, and a head coach who knows how to build an offense around his personnel. Adding A.J.
Brown could be the final piece to push them over the top.
But it won’t come cheap. Denver would be betting big on Brown bouncing back and becoming the alpha receiver Bo Nix needs.
If that happens, this could go down as a franchise-defining move. If not, it’s a high-priced gamble that could set them back on both sides of the ball.
Either way, the message is clear: the Broncos aren’t content with being close. They’re looking to win now-and they’re not afraid to make bold moves to get there.