The Denver Broncos are determined to build a stronger supporting cast around second-year quarterback Bo Nix after evaluating his rookie performance. While many believe the team will use the draft to address key needs at wide receiver, running back, offensive line, and tight end, the Broncos could take a bold and unexpected approach by making a major trade before the draft.
To ease the pressure on Nix and add depth to their offense, the Broncos should pursue a significant trade with the Atlanta Falcons. In this deal, Denver would receive wide receiver Drake London, running back Tyler Allgeier, and a seventh-round pick in exchange for wide receiver Courtland Sutton, safety PJ Locke, their first-round pick, a fourth-round pick, and their highest sixth-round pick.
This trade would bring the Broncos two highly skilled players at positions of need. Allgeier, despite serving as Bijan Robinson’s backup, still managed 644 rushing yards, three touchdowns, and an impressive 4.7 yards per carry last season. Additionally, he caught all 13 of his targets for 88 yards. In his rookie season, before Robinson’s arrival, Allgeier surpassed 1,000 rushing yards and added over 100 receiving yards. Despite his reduced role, he has proven to be a capable and productive runner, showing strength, vision, and the ability to break tackles.
While Allgeier would be a key addition, the highlight of the trade is 23-year-old, 6’4″, 213-pound wide receiver Drake London. London possesses exceptional hands, excels in contested catches, and runs precise routes to create separation. Last season, he recorded 100 receptions for 1,271 yards and nine touchdowns, marking his first 100-catch, 1,000-yard campaign in just his third year. With his contract set to expire after the upcoming season, the Broncos would have the option to extend him long-term, forming a dynamic young duo with Nix for years to come.
From Denver’s perspective, the trade is logical given what they are sending in return. Sutton is on the final year of his contract, and the Broncos were uncertain about re-signing him, so trading him now prevents losing him for nothing. Locke, a rotational safety, is replaceable, and while parting with valuable draft picks is difficult, the return justifies the cost.
Denver would likely use its first-round pick to select either a No. 1 wide receiver or a starting running back. Instead of relying on a rookie in a crucial role, they would acquire two proven 1,000-yard players who understand the league, allowing them to focus their draft picks on other key areas such as offensive line, tight end, cornerback, or defensive line.
For Atlanta, this deal is also beneficial. With London set to become a free agent, trading him now prevents the risk of losing him for nothing while securing valuable assets in return. While Allgeier is an effective backup, the Falcons could easily replace him through the draft, especially with Robinson as their offensive centerpiece.
In return, the Falcons receive Sutton, who could serve as a one-year rental or be re-signed depending on his fit with rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. They also acquire Locke, who provides solid depth at safety following the departure of Justin Simmons. Although Atlanta signed Jordan Fuller as their starting safety, he is coming off an injury, making additional depth valuable.
Most importantly, the Falcons bolster their draft capital, gaining an extra first-round pick. This flexibility allows them to select a top wide receiver to pair with Sutton or address their most pressing need on the defensive line. They could opt to draft two defensive linemen in the first round and target a receiver in the second round, effectively strengthening both areas.
Ultimately, this trade positions the Falcons to solidify their defense, add another talented receiver, and fill remaining roster gaps with additional draft picks. While retaining a star receiver like London is appealing, improving their overall roster depth could better position them for immediate competitiveness.
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