The Denver Broncos are heading into a pivotal offseason - one that can't just be about patching holes. This team needs more than just bodies to fill spots.
It needs a legitimate injection of top-tier talent. Sean Payton’s first full year at the helm brought flashes of promise, but the roster still lacks the kind of difference-makers that can elevate Denver from a rebuilding squad to a real contender in the AFC.
Let’s be clear: the Broncos have plenty of "role players" - guys who know the system, play hard, and do their jobs. But if this team wants to take the next step, especially in a division that still includes Patrick Mahomes and Justin Herbert, it’s going to take more than overachievers and system fits. It’s going to take stars.
That’s why a recent list of potential trade targets for Denver feels a bit underwhelming. Three names were floated: Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr., Raiders tight end Michael Mayer, and Saints running back Alvin Kamara.
On the surface, they’re all solid players. But if the Broncos are serious about upgrading their roster, these moves raise more questions than answers.
Michael Pittman Jr.: A Redundant Fit?
Let’s start with Pittman. He’s heading into the final year of his deal, carrying a $22 million base salary.
That’s a hefty number for a player who, frankly, doesn’t offer a clear upgrade over what Denver already has in Courtland Sutton. Sutton, who signed an extension last year, is locked in with a cap hit under $14 million this season - and he’s been one of the few consistent weapons in the Broncos’ passing game.
Pittman is a good possession receiver, no doubt. But he’s not a burner, not a YAC machine, and not a game-breaker.
He’s also not significantly younger than Sutton. So if you’re Denver, why give up assets for a player who feels like more of a lateral move than a leap forward?
Unless Pittman comes at a steep discount - and there’s no indication that would be the case - this one doesn’t move the needle.
Michael Mayer: Intriguing, But Complicated
Now, Michael Mayer is a different story. The former Notre Dame standout showed flashes as a rookie, and his physical, all-around style would be a clear upgrade over Adam Trautman. Mayer can block, he can work the seams, and he’s got the kind of upside that could make him a long-term answer at tight end.
But here’s the catch: he plays for the Raiders. And inter-division trades are rare for a reason.
Teams don’t like the idea of helping a rival get better - especially when that rival is just a few pieces away from becoming a real threat. Could Denver and Las Vegas strike a deal?
Sure. But the odds aren’t great.
And unless the Raiders are motivated sellers, the price would likely be steep.
Still, if there’s a path to Mayer, it’s worth exploring. Tight end is one of the few spots on this roster where a young, ascending talent could step in and make an immediate impact.
Alvin Kamara: Not the Right Fit
Then there’s Alvin Kamara. The former All-Pro has had a stellar career in New Orleans, and his connection to Sean Payton is obvious. But this one just doesn’t make sense for Denver right now.
Kamara’s skill set overlaps heavily with RJ Harvey, who emerged last season as a dynamic dual-threat back. Add in the late-offseason pickup of JK Dobbins - who handled the lion’s share of the workload before his Lisfranc injury - and the Broncos already have a solid one-two punch in the backfield. What they need is a power back who can handle volume and grind out tough yards, not another finesse runner with similar traits to what’s already on the roster.
Unless there’s an injury that changes the equation, trading for Kamara would feel like a luxury move for a team that isn’t in position to make luxury moves.
So, Who Should Be on the Radar?
If Denver’s front office is serious about taking a big swing, the target list needs to reflect that. Think bigger. Think bolder.
A player like AJ Brown - if the Eagles are even remotely open to talks - would be a game-changer. Brown brings physicality, route-running, and big-play ability. He’s the kind of alpha receiver who can tilt coverage and open up the field for everyone else.
Jaylen Waddle? Same deal. His speed alone would transform the Broncos' offense, giving them the kind of vertical threat they’ve lacked since the peak of Emmanuel Sanders.
And don’t sleep on someone like T.J. Hockenson. If the Vikings decide to pivot or retool, Hockenson could be a perfect fit in Payton’s offense - a reliable, athletic tight end who can stretch the field and dominate in the red zone.
As for the running back position, this year’s free-agent class is loaded. So unless the Broncos can land a back via trade at a bargain price, it makes more sense to shop in free agency. There’s no need to burn draft capital or cap space on a position that already has depth and options available on the open market.
The Bottom Line
This offseason is about more than just filling gaps. It’s about raising the ceiling.
The Broncos don’t need more glue guys - they need playmakers. They need players who can win one-on-one matchups, flip field position, and change games.
If Denver wants to close the gap in the AFC, it’s time to aim higher. Because in today’s NFL, talent wins. And the Broncos need more of it.