FILE - A Denver Broncos helmet sits on the field prior to an NFL football game between the Denver Broncos and the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Nov. 19, 2017, in Denver. The Denver Broncos are looking for a new owner in what’s expected to be the most expensive team sale in U.S. sports history. The Pat D. Bowlen Trust announced Tuesday, Feb. 1, 2022, it's in the “beginning of a sale process” for the franchise that's valued at $4 billion and is expected to draw heavy bidding that could push the sale price well beyond that figure.(AP Photo/Jack Dempsey, File)
The Denver Broncos are actively working the phones ahead of the NFL Draft, exploring trade-down scenarios that would help them stockpile more picks. While head coach Sean Payton has never traded down in a draft, the team appears to be leaning in that direction this year. Given the depth of the 2025 class and the Broncos’ roster needs, moving up would cost too much future capital — making a trade-down much more logical.
Three teams in particular stand out as likely trade partners:
1. Buffalo Bills
Proposed Trade: Broncos send Pick 20 to the Bills for Picks 30, 62, and 132.
Unlike the other two scenarios, Buffalo isn’t looking to move up for a quarterback. Instead, they’re eyeing impact players at cornerback, wide receiver, or edge rusher. If talents like Will Johnson or Tetairoa McMillan fall to 20, Buffalo may want to leap ahead of others to snag their guy. The Broncos could even push for better compensation, such as swapping 132 for 109 or targeting one of Buffalo’s two second-rounders.
2. Cleveland Browns
Proposed Trade: Broncos send Pick 20 to the Browns for Picks 33, 67, 94, and a 2026 2nd or 3rd-rounder.
3. New York Giants
Proposed Trade: Broncos send Pick 20 to the Giants for Picks 34, 65, 99, and a 2026 2nd or 3rd-rounder.
Cleveland and New York are grouped together due to shared interests — notably Colorado QB Shedeur Sanders. If Sanders is available at 20, both teams may look to move up to pair him with Travis Hunter, whom they could grab earlier in the draft. If Sanders is gone, Ole Miss’ Jaxson Dart may still spark movement.
These two trades would give the Broncos valuable capital between Rounds 2 and 4, the sweet spot of the draft, while still allowing them to select early in Round 2. The added third-round picks could also be used by Payton to trade back up into Round 1 or Round 2 if he spots a player he loves.
The Broncos’ roster is solid but needs depth, making extra picks even more crucial. These trade-down scenarios not only increase their flexibility but position them to improve their roster while still possibly grabbing a top-tier talent.
With the draft less than a week away, these three teams are the most likely partners to keep an eye on — and conversations are likely already underway.
