Locked On Broncos - Daily Podcast On The Denver Broncos - MUST-DO: Denver Broncos Free Agency Moves That Will TRANSFORM the Offense & Why They Can't Sit Back

Episode Date: February 6, 2026

The Denver Broncos face a defining offseason: Can Sean Payton and George Paton finally land a top wide receiver to legitimize them as true contenders? Why the Broncos SHOULD trade for A.J. Brown or Ja...ylen Waddle, and the pressing need to avoid being “almost” players when it comes to acquiring a top receiver this offseason, this episode breaks down what the Broncos must do to challenge for AFC supremacy. Cody Roark and Sayre Bedinger debate the importance of finding culture fits versus game-changers, the pivotal roles of potential targets like linebackers like Kaden Ellis and Devin Lloyd, and why Davis Webb’s influence could revolutionize Denver’s offense with Bo Nix under center. Cody Roark is a credentialed beat reporter for Mile High Sports and covers the Broncos daily in person. Sayre Bedinger is the site expert for Predominantly Orange. Both bring Broncos Country the most in-depth and objective coverage of the Denver Broncos. WANT MORE DAILY DENVER BRONCOS CONTENT?For all of the latest Denver Broncos news today -- Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms…🎧 https://link.chtbl.com/LOBroncos?sid=YouTube Locked On NFL League-Wide: Every Team, Fantasy, Draft & More🎧 https://linktr.ee/LockedOnNFL Follow on Twitter: @CodyRoarkNFL and @SayreBedingerFollow the show on Twitter: @LockedOnBroncos Everydayer Club  If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans.Click here to join -- https://lockedonbroncos.supercast.com/ Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!TurboTaxFor a limited time, you can have your taxes done by a local TurboTax expert for just $150 — all in, if a TurboTax expert didn’t file for you last year. Just file by February 28.  Visit http://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today.FanDuelIf you’re a new customer, bet just $5 and get $200 in Bonus Bets if you win. Make it count — because after the Super Bowl, the season is over. Last call for football on FanDuel, an Official Sportsbook Partner of Super Bowl Sixty. PrizePicksDownload the PrizePicks app today and use code LOCKEDONNFL to get $50 in lineups after you play your first $5 lineup.Click Here: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONNFL GametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime. RobinhoodTrade Every Play with Robinhood. Now available across the U.S. Download the Robinhood app now to begin.Futures and cleared swaps trading involves significant risk and is not appropriate for everyone. Event contracts are offered by Robinhood Derivatives, LLC., a registered futures commission merchant and swap firm IndeedListeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/lockedonnfl. GustoTry Gusto today at http://gusto.com/lockedonNFL and get three months free when you run your first payroll. QuoMake this the year where no opportunity — and no customer — slips away.Try Quo for free plus get 20% off your first 6 months when you go to http://Quo.com/lockedonnfl. BetterhelpThis episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. BetterHelp makes it easy to get matched online with a qualified therapist.  Sign up and get 10% off at http://BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDON. DripDropRight now, DripDrop is offering podcast listeners 20% off your first order. Go to http://dripdrop.com and use promo code lockedonnfl.   FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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Starting point is 00:00:00 There are three things that Denver Broncos must avoid this offseason, which means essentially there are three things they must do. We'll break it all down here on today's episode. Locked on Broncos. You are Locked on Broncos, your daily Denver Broncos podcast. Part of the Locked on Podcast Network, your team every day. What's up, Broncos country? Happy Friday.
Starting point is 00:00:26 Welcome into another episode, Lockdown Broncos, your daily Denver Broncos podcast, part of the Lockedon Podcast Network, the number one sports podcast network in the country. so much for tuning in making us your first listen. Shout out to all the everydayers out there's out there in Broncos country for always showing up, even in the offseason here where, guess what? For the true fan, there is never an off season. Lockdown Broncos, we got you covered every single day, every step of the way all year long.
Starting point is 00:00:50 That is our promise to you. And here on today's episode of the show, we're going to tell you why the Broncos, they can't just sit on their hands here in NFL free agency. They must be aggressive, so they must avoid the inverse of that, which is they can't not make a splash. We'll tell you about that. Plus, we'll tell you why. It's imperative that Sean Payton gives Davis Webb the keys to the offensive car so we can get the Ferrari going here for Bo Nix in 2026.
Starting point is 00:01:13 We'll tell you why the Broncos cannot be almost players in NFL free agency in the offseason, specifically when it comes to landing a top receiver. They can't almost do it. They must find a way. We'll break it all down here on today's episode of the show, folks, brought to you by our friends over there at Fandu. It's the last call for football on Fandul. If you're a new customer bet, just $5 and get $200 in bonus bets. If you win.
Starting point is 00:01:34 I'm Cody Roar, Credential Broncos reporter for Mile High Sports. Jones is always by Sarah Bedinger, site expert on the orange.com. Sarah, you know, we've teased this whole thing as being three things. The Broncos must avoid. So in that, it's like, all right, well, if they must avoid these things, what must they do? Let's start off with free agency. The Broncos set to be aggressive with a new salary cap set between $301.4 and $305.7 million this season.
Starting point is 00:01:59 The Broncos, they can't sit on their hands in free agency. they should be aggressive. They should be active. They have to be aggressive. They have to go after top targets. And they have to make sure that obviously they're still measured in that. You don't want to be just going out there and blowing a bunch of cash on guys like, you know, we've seen in the past, Randy Gregory, for example,
Starting point is 00:02:19 the Broncos probably felt like they made a huge, you know, victory in free agency when they signed him away from the Dallas Cowboys. But ultimately, you've got to be smart. And I think what you learn from those types of experiences or the Russell Wilson contract is that you want to sign the right guys, right? And the Broncos have done that. They corrected course when they brought in players like Mike McGlinchie, Ben Powers. And then you talk about guys like Brandon Jones, Malcolm Roach, Telenoa Hufanga. I mean, these guys are culture fits for this team. And I think you have to really toe the line, though, Cody. And you have to
Starting point is 00:02:51 recognize that there is a fine line between, you know, bringing in the right culture fits and only signing, you know, the choir boys types of things. I'm not saying that those with those aforementioned guys are. But what I am saying is that there's a time to sign, you know, Akeep to leave and there's a time to sign DeMarcus where. And that happened to be in the same exact offseason for the Broncos. They needed both of those guys. You need Ware and his veteran presence and, you know, his leadership and the ability to
Starting point is 00:03:19 mentor somebody like Vaughn. And you needed Akeep to leave to come in and snatch the chain off Michael Crabtree and to be that sort of enforcer. And so what I'm looking at for the Broncos offseason is I don't think everybody in Broncos country should be just saying, hey, well, that guy, I don't think, you know, for example, George Pickens is a name that comes up quite a bit. I don't think he's a locker room fit. I would not go that far as to say that because I feel like the Broncos have a healthy enough locker room culture right now to be able to have a player like Pickens in there and still thrive
Starting point is 00:03:51 as a team. Like, this team is not so fragile that George Pickens would come in and ruin it. I think that there's definitely, you know, an opportunity in this climate for free agency for the Broncos to be aggressive and going after any type of player that they feel like can help get them a Super Bowl. Not just, you know, oh, this guy's going to be a great fit for our locker room and we think he can help us win. I think you ideally want that, but be aggressive and going after the best players. And who's to say maybe George can't come in and thrive in Denver, right? Thrive in the locker room, you know, be a guy that you bring into that. I understand it.
Starting point is 00:04:26 You know, and I've certainly had my own takes. You can find some of my takes on Twitter where even like against the Broncos when DAC threw an interception, I called him out. I tweeted, said, man, this guy's not even like trying to go out there and make a tackle. He's walking to the sideline while the play's still ongoing. I've had my takes on there. But like from a talent standpoint from, hey, do the Broncos offensively, do they need a guy who's a dog in a sense?
Starting point is 00:04:49 Not to say that Cortland's something those other guys are, but I'm saying like a dog that has a bite to him, right? Cortland is a dog, but Cortland's not the guy that's going to go out there and get jolly with the DB, right? Especially if a guy's chippy, he's going to go out there and make a play get chippy, hopefully not get you a penalty in the process of that, right? I think Pickens, his playmaking ability and his talent would be welcome here in Denver. But to your point, you know, we know how Sean and George have always kind of said, we want to make sure whoever we bring in is doing, we're doing right by the locker room.
Starting point is 00:05:18 I'm very curious to see what that is. But what you're telling me, though, is 2013 when the Broncos, high scoring offense in NFL history. They fell short in the Super Bowl. They got blown out there. They go out in Free Agency and they make some big time power moves. Well, the Broncos, they were just a couple of play shy of going to Super Bowl 60, which happens to take place this week.
Starting point is 00:05:38 So the idea is, hey, we're not satisfied with that. We're going to be aggressive. I like the sound of that. And my hope is that they can do something very similar to what they did in that 2014 offseason and Free Agency going out there and making some big time. Splashes. is I like that comparisonally you made, though. You made the mention, get me the Akeed Talibs and the DeMarcus Ware's.
Starting point is 00:05:58 Okay, so we talked about a guy who would be like the Akeb Talib, so to speak, for Denver and Free Agency with a guy like George Pickens, who'd be that DeMarcus Ware type guy in your opinion, and what position would it be? That's a great question because I think when you look at this Broncos team, the obvious needs right now, they're coming in at what the linebacker, depending on what we see happen with Alex Singleton, Justin Sernat, obviously Dre Greenlaw in his situation. So could it be a linebacker? there's possibility of that.
Starting point is 00:06:24 I don't think you're necessarily going to get a DeMarcus Ware type of impact from a running back or even a receiver or a tight end. So I think at the linebacker position, Cody, I once again go back to the Caden Ellis idea, that I love that. I think that that is such a great idea in terms of what he brings to the table, just in terms of that love for football and what he can provide to that position. I don't necessarily think it's the same quite, you know, as having a DeMarcus wear type player come in, although I suppose history could kind of repeat itself,
Starting point is 00:06:54 but the Broncos want to bring back Vaughn Miller, which they have too many edge guys right now as it is. That's crazy to even say, but maybe Vaughn could come back and teach those guys the thing or two about how to finish the job in January and February. But I do think when it comes to the defensive side, you have so many of those types of voices already, but adding somebody like Caden Ellis to the mix,
Starting point is 00:07:15 that versatility, the ability to attack the line of scrimmage, to play in coverage, to pop that ball, out. I mean, he just does so many things well. I think that would be the perfect addition to the middle of this Denver defense. Let me ask you a question here. Between Kate and Ellis, Devin Lloyd, who would you pick? I would pick Caden Ellis. And the reason being is because I think Devin Lloyd right now, obviously is a better player. And I wouldn't be mad about the Broncos getting Devin Lloyd by any stretch. Don't get me wrong. I'd love if they make that splash move, Cody, that's big time stuff. but for 25, 26, 27 million per year, which is what I've seen as the market value for somebody like
Starting point is 00:07:54 Devin Lloyd, that's where I'm saying, hey, go get yourself a George Pickens. Go get, you know, Brees Hall and trade for T.J. Hawkinson, like, invest that big time cash on the offense where you have a bunch of young guys. You need the veteran presence. You need the proven playmakers. Defense, you've got the high-priced guys, right? You invested in the D-line. You invested an edge. You invested even at linebacker, corner, safety. You've got the high price guys on defense. Go spend the bigger money on offense, but bring in those key players that can be the missing piece like a Caden Ellis at the linebacker position. That's where I would say I'd rather spend the big money
Starting point is 00:08:33 on offense. Okay. Let me ask you this question, too, as we go through. I think there should be a balance here. Denver's got 21 total free agents this year, right? I think that there needs to be a balance between prioritizing, obviously some of your own in-house guys. I think the biggest names at the top of my head that we're going to maybe analyze here is okay, between the Singleton, Sternads, PJ, Locks, JFMs of the world, which of those guys do you prioritize us, hey, our main in-house guys we need to take care of. Could it be one? Could it be two?
Starting point is 00:09:02 Could it be three? Or could it be none of those guys? I mean, certainly a possibility. Or do you go out there and do you add new pieces across the board here? To me, I think defensively, they can't set up. on their hands in free agency. With the outlook of Drew Sanders entering the last year of his deal, we've hardly seen him on the field here.
Starting point is 00:09:20 You've got LaVelle Bailey, who's an undrafted guy. You got Jordan Turner and you got Dre Greenlawn, his injury history. Sarah, this doesn't, this room specifically is the biggest question mark outside of running back. In my opinion, that the Broncos just can't say, hey, you know what? We're just going to sit on our hands. They did it last year outside of Dre. They can't do that this year. No, they have to fortify the depth at that spot.
Starting point is 00:09:43 and that's going to involve both free agency and the NFL draft. And I think George Payton even said to Cody that this team feels good about, you know, they're not saying like, oh, we have this magic, you know, Captain America like chamber that we can put players in who have injury history.
Starting point is 00:09:59 But, you know, you feel like you can make those calculated risks in free agency. I may be guys who hit free agency because they had injury issues at previous stops. And that's not to say guys don't get hurt in Denver. I mean, we saw the evidence to the contrary. this past year.
Starting point is 00:10:15 But I mean, you take those risks, right? You take the risks on players like Drey Greenlaw, J.K. Dobbins. And I think those are two of the top three guys in-house that I would say, Cody, those are the top, I'd say those are maybe the top two other than Justin Sernad. So you put those three in the mix right there, J-FM, J-K. Dobbins, and Justin Sernad.
Starting point is 00:10:33 I think those are the top three in-house guys that you can't just sit there and say, oh, we're going to let those guys test the water, or we're going to, you know, mess around with this, unless you have a clear plan in place. to replace them because otherwise you're just getting worse, especially defensively, where you feel like that's going to be key to getting back to the AFC championship and further.
Starting point is 00:10:53 Yeah, and you can't miss out on like if you want to bring those guys back for you playing hardball and they go elsewhere and now you risk losing out on maybe some other bigger name free agents that position. Ooh, that's what makes free agency fun though. We're going to be here with you every step of the way free agency frenzy Broncos country. Don't you worry.
Starting point is 00:11:09 But make sure you let us know here today what you think the Broncos must avoid this off season when it comes to free agency, whether or not they should sit on their hands or they shouldn't. I don't think that they should. We want them to be aggressive as well here. But coming up next, Broncos country, Sarah and I are going to tell you why Sean Payton must give Davis Webb the keys to the Ferrari for Bo Nix here in 2026. Here on today's episode of the show. Today's episode, Lockdown Broncos is brought to you by friends over there at Zock and finding a doctor you actually like can feel like discovering a diamond in the rough.
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Starting point is 00:13:37 Just go to Indeed.com slash locked on NFL right now and support the show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast terms and conditions apply. More than anything, it feels like the Denver Broncos need to avoid just the status quo offensively. Something's got to change after the offense kind of took a step back in 2025. Cody and I are going to talk about why Sean Payton needs to give the keys over to Young Buck Davis Webb this coming season. In Broncos country, one of once again say thank you so much to every single. one of you out there that makes lockdown Broncos your first listen of the day every single day. And for all you, every dayers, we want to invite you to join the Every Day or All Access Club. You're going to get an ad-free episode of the show every single day here throughout the offseason
Starting point is 00:14:21 where Cody and I expect Broncos to be as aggressive as we just talked about in the first segment of the show. I mean, certainly you expect free agency to be filled with fireworks for this team. But maybe before we get to free agency, we're going to get a little preview fireworks show in terms of whatever Sean Payton ends up telling us about Davis Webb and whether or not he's going to get the keys to this offense. And you and I have talked about this, Cody. And I think that, look, the discussion is very nuanced because we're not trying to overlook the reverence for what Sean Payton has done as a play caller in the NFL. You and I have made sure of that over the last three plus years, like talking about Sean in that light, that he is one of the best offense.
Starting point is 00:15:06 of minds in modern football history. He is a tremendous head coach, and he does know what he's doing out there. However, the reason that we're talking about this, and maybe just to give a little context to the listeners of the show so that it doesn't seem like you and I are just sitting here with our hot take hats on and saying, Sean Payton needs to give up play calling, because I think that is the mentality of a lot of people. You and I are more so reading the tea leaves in this and, you know, comments that Sean has made about driving at night in the rain.
Starting point is 00:15:35 And, you know, it's taking a bit longer to get these, these personnel formations out there and getting these longer play calls in. And there is developing on-field frustration that we're seeing. And Davis, quite frankly, if we're continuing to read the tea leaves, has gotten offers from other teams to do so. And we feel like that was a big part of why he came back to Denver. So with that context in there, I think you and I can both collectively agree here. The Broncos need to avoid the status quo offensively in general.
Starting point is 00:16:03 this offseason. Yeah, and I think Davis can help alleviate maybe some of those things that Sean himself has mentioned he's got to be on his piece and cues about, about getting the play call in faster. I mean, Sean has made public reference of that. And to your point, I agree. Like, Sean, we're not trying to discredit Sean in any way, shape, or form, but can Davis Webb help Sean Payton revolutionize this offense a little bit further? Like, we used to pray, folks, and I think this is where the reflection comes in. We used to just pray for an offense that looked a resemblance of what like Denver's has this past season, right? We were so used to seeing the 10-point games, the 3-point games, the 16 points.
Starting point is 00:16:40 It was like a curse, so to speak, for over 10 years with this franchise. Sean Payton came in and all of a sudden the offense, while it hasn't been the greatest, it has been significantly better than anything that we've seen in the last 10 years. And I think we have to talk about that. Sean is a big reason why. But Davis Webb, being a young guy who Sean clearly has wanted to return. I mean, there were some reports that came out that Sean was doing whatever he could to say, hey, I don't want Davis to get away.
Starting point is 00:17:08 You want to keep him here in Denver. Okay, while Sean has not publicly come out and said, hey, you're going to be the play caller here. You have to be able to at least, if you're not going to give the full keys to Davis Webb, you got to give him a house key, right? You've got to be able to give him a key that can get into the house, right? Leave it under the mat, whatever it may be. But I think where Davis can help out with Sean is the flow and the balance of saying, hey, let's get this in quicker.
Starting point is 00:17:31 You know, Sean can say, Sean can be looking at his play sheet and Davis can might be able to call it quicker or, you know, I don't know how you want to do that. You don't want to muddy the waters of communication for the quarterback and the headset. But considering the relationship that Davis and Bo Nix have, not to say that Bo and Sean don't have a great relationship. I want to really kind of put a cabosh in a Broncos country. I see what type of relationship those guys have every day. It is a good one. Yes, it comes with times where maybe they challenge each other, but that's normal.
Starting point is 00:17:59 they welcome that. Both of them do. So Davis is at this point where he can help, I think, this offense for what Sean wants and the vision that Sean has for this, I think Davis might be able to help him call different plays or utilize the tight end more, get the running game a little bit more involved, whether it be changing the scheme, whatever it may be. But I think those are some things why you brought Davis Webb back, considering what you said, he had legitimate offers from other teams where he was going to be the play caller. So why stay in Denver if that's not going to be the key caller?
Starting point is 00:18:29 case there is something here. We just don't know what it is yet. And I think we saw in that AFC championship loss to the Patriots, just how valuable somebody else calling plays could be. And I've referenced this a number of times, but that fourth down play call, you know, that Sean Peyton said after the game, I don't know which I regret more, whether it's the decision to go for it or the play call itself. There's a lot going through his mind at that point in time. You know, you're considering, hey, what's the analytics say?
Starting point is 00:18:57 You were going up 10 versus potentially going up 14. Like what's our chart say about this potential play? Do we take into account the fact that Jared is running the play versus Bo running the play? And what is the Patriots defense? Like what look, are they giving us? What's the weather like in the second half? As the head coach. In 40 seconds to do all that.
Starting point is 00:19:15 You got, yeah, exactly. And even then, he's also talked about the fact that he's like, I'm wondering why they didn't give us a measurement. So he's like trying to get a play call in while also hopeful that they're going to do a measurement. and shoot, I think even just having somebody else there at that particular point in time to throw three plays into Bo Nix's headset and say, hey, or excuse me, Jared Stidham at the time, you know, but hopefully in the future it'll be Bo Nix in the AFC championship game, of course. Yes. But to throw those plays into his headset and to say, hey, this is what we're looking at based on their front,
Starting point is 00:19:46 based on the coverage look that they give us, where Sean is now able to think about, okay, situation, analytics, weather, going forward, you know, all this sorts of, thing. He's able to be the CEO while somebody else is doing the play calling. And I think that's essential for him at this stage is to be able to be that guy because I think Sean is a really good game manager. We've seen that in two minute drills and end of game situations. Like, nobody was better than the Broncos this past year. So I think situationally, they've proven themselves. But I think Sean really would benefit from stepping into that CEO role. And if he does need to come in and say, hey, I didn't like how we were calling this in the first half, then Davis can correct and kind of learn through that delegation.
Starting point is 00:20:29 And I'll tell you this. Just watch it. Davis and Sean, they're very close. You can tell that there's a lot of love and a lot of respect for one another in that relationship itself. Davis obviously oversees the quarterbacks. That's what he did in 2025. That'll be Logan Kilgore now. But Sean and Davis were very tight at the hip with a lot of things. So keeping your young guy around that might be able to help Sean be even better, I think is a great thing. and Sean might be willing to embrace that here. Well, Broncos country coming up next, Sarah and I are going to tell you why the Broncos can't just be almost players in landing a big-time wide receiver target this offseason. They must find a way to land that guy.
Starting point is 00:21:05 We'll break it all down here on today's episode of the show. Today's episode, Lockdown Broncos is brought to you by friends over there at Robin Hood. What if sports were traded like markets? Now you can put your sports IQ to work in real time with Robin Hood prediction markets. It's not you against the house. It's you participating in a live market. You can buy or sell your position. live all game long.
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Starting point is 00:23:00 homechef.com slash locked on for 50% off your first box, free shipping and free dessert for life. Must be an active subscriber to receive free dessert. Last off season, the DeVos almost landed this player in the NFL draft. They almost landed Stefan Diggs in NFL free agency. But when it comes to 2026 and the offseason approach, the Broncos can't just be almost players anymore. They were almost on a road trip to Super Bowl 60. They can't be almost players anymore. And they have to find a way to go out there and land a top target, wide receiver. And Broncos country, we're going to break down some of the targets.
Starting point is 00:23:37 Maybe the Denver should look at here on today's episode of the show real quick. I want to say thank you once again for tuning in, rocking with us, making us your first listen. Just a reminder, we're here for you every single day during the off season. because for the true fan, there is never an off season. Make sure you stay locked in every single day with fresh Broncos content coverage and more here locked on Broncos. Sarah, I like this topic. You know, you and I were discussing what we're going to break down on today's show here.
Starting point is 00:24:02 I felt like this was a good one, right? We've heard stories and rumblings about the Broncos almost being in on Jalen Waddle at the NFL trade deadline, but the price was too high. We've heard them almost being in on Stefan Diggs and NFL Free Agency, but the price was too high. they can't be almost players this year. They need to go out there and you and I talked about it. We agree they need to add a dog.
Starting point is 00:24:22 They need to add a playmaker, a wide receiver that can help out Cortland Sutton. The Broncos have kind of been the Tom Brady of Justin Herberts when it comes to acquiring wide receivers. You know, if man, that's what it is. We were in on so many names or, you know, we're always looking or, you know, we feel good about the room that we have. You know, those are the phrases that have become sort of nightmarish for Broncos' country.
Starting point is 00:24:45 And it does feel like they become sort of the foremost experts of almost acquiring wide receivers. And look, I think that's not to say that they haven't tried, right? I mean, there's value in trying. There's value in looking and, you know, being in on every deal, as George Payton said, back in 2021 that he would be. But I think now, as opposed to just being in on every deal, I think you've got to find a way to close at least one deal when it comes to the wide receiver position. in terms of Bo Nix's development,
Starting point is 00:25:15 in terms of the offense taking the next step, Cody. I mean, this was an offense that was among the league leaders in three and outs. This was an offense that sputtered in the red zone late in the season. This was an offense that punted the third most times. I guess the offense didn't punt, but they had struggles to the point that they punted the third most times of any team in the NFL this season. I do believe that a true, legit, wide receiver one would completely change that narrative. And I do also believe that adding a true wide receiver one would unlock certain aspects of Cortland Sutton's game, Marvin Mims game, Troy Franklin, Pat Bryan, whoever would end up being around, you know, after a trade like this is made.
Starting point is 00:25:56 And it just feels like this is the one piece the Broncos are missing. If the wide receiver room is the gauntlet, you know, for Thanos, they're missing one stone, right? They've got all the other stones. They've got, you know, Sutton's a great veteran wide receiver two, X, you know, receiver at that. position. Marvin Mims, deep threat. Troy Franklin can do a little bit of everything for you. Pat Bryant, possession guy. You need somebody out there who is that alpha dog at the receiver position. You mentioned two guys, Jalen Waddle and obviously the other name that's on your list and Denver would have to trade for these guys, A.J. Brown. I would be all in on Denver trading for A.J.
Starting point is 00:26:36 Brown here, right? Think about it this way. You have Cortland Sutton on one side. You have A.J. Brown on the other side, guess what? You can't bracket cover Cortland Sutton anymore. You might bracket cover AJ, but now Cortland's got more one-on-ones. Or you might just be saying, hey, because these two guys and what they do, they can be on opposite sides of each other, we have to be very careful from a defensive standpoint of not over committing to one side and then neglecting the other side where all of a sudden they can make a big play. Now, let's say you wanted to play a two high shell over AJ Brown and Cortland Sutton. Well, guess what? Now that's where your other guys, your Troy Franklin's, your Marvin Mims, your Pat Bryant.
Starting point is 00:27:11 those guys come in. That's where your run game helps neutralize that thread a little bit. The Broncos, in my opinion, Sarah, trading for a player like AJ Brown. And look, J. Laudele would be a nice addition. I think A.J. Brown would be a substantive upgrade over a Jalen Waddle. No disrespect to Waddle. He's a great freaking player. But in terms of what the Broncos need right now, I think a guy like Brown on the outside opposite of Sutton, that would be game changing here. And there's a real chance that Brown is moved here this offseason, considering all the
Starting point is 00:27:41 stuff going on in Philly. I'm curious, your thoughts on that dynamic that we talked about. He's not like George Pickens. I'm, you know, A.J. Brown has been vocal about his frustrations, but he's still been a good leader. He's still been a good teammate despite some visible frustration in Philly. And he goes out there and produces. I mean, that's the thing. It's like every time he complains about not getting the ball and then the Eagles force feed him, I mean, he goes out there and just straight up makes plays. And I know folks want to make jokes like when the Eagles, I think there was a game on Thanksgiving. They lost to the Bears and AJ had a big game or something.
Starting point is 00:28:14 I can't remember the exact situation, but he had a big game and everybody's making fun of him. Like, I bet AJ Brown's happy. He had a big game, even though his team lost. And like, unfortunately, that is the perception that is created with a guy like that who does complain about not getting the ball, you know, win or lose. Like, he wants the ball. And I think that's the mentality for all receivers.
Starting point is 00:28:34 But he feels like that type of addition at wide receiver right now that he's been to that mountain top as a player. He's got probably three, four years of his prime left in the NFL, I would say, based on, I think he's 28, 27 years old. And so he's got good years left. And he can help elevate an offense big time. And we know the Broncos, I mean, they throw the ball more than almost anybody. And that's kind of crazy to think about, but they're going to get him targets.
Starting point is 00:29:00 They're going to get him opportunities to make plays. And I just can't help but think of all these passes that have been dropped over the last couple of seasons. How many times if if those passes were thrown to somebody like AJ Brown, how much better does Bo Nix look as a quarterback at this point? Man, that's scary when you think about it too. And honestly, that is a move in my opinion that says, all right, Denver, they should. If they stay healthy, they should get back to the AFC championship. They should be a favorite to get to the Super Bowl in 2026. They were to make a move like that. That tells me that they're serious about moving the needle for that.
Starting point is 00:29:32 I hope it happens, man, because I look, there's some other players in free and see like Alec Pierce, I think would be a great addition. But, man, that, Alex Pierce would be nice, would be a great move. But man, AJ Brown will move the needle. That would get me feeling nicey here going into the off season. In the Broncos country, as always, we want to hear from you on today's episode of show.
Starting point is 00:29:51 If the Broncos were to trade for a wide receiver, which I also think, too, Sarah, here's the thing. I am not opposed to Denver trading the first round pick that they had this year because they pick 30th overall, right? If they want to move up and get someone, you know what you're going to have to do, trade more picks. So why not just trade that pick and maybe some other picks for a guy where, you know, hey, we're going to get proven value, proven impact production right away. I would be all in on that.
Starting point is 00:30:14 But Rocco's country, let us know if you would be too here on today's episode of the show. Sarah and I, we have a lot to break down this entire offseason. But Monday's episode, look, we'll recap the Super Bowl, what we learned and what the Broncos can maybe do to capitalize on it. But really, we're going to focus on Sarah's top off season. Sarah's going to give you three things that would make for the best Broncos. was offseason possible on the next episode, Lockdown Broncos. We'll see you then.

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