The Denver Broncos did not make a trade before the deadline. With Marvin Mims Jr. out with a concussion and a rookie at the fourth wide receiver slot, it was plausible the Broncos would trade for a depth piece at the position at worst. And acquire a game wrecker like Jayden Waddle at best. But no fireworks happened. There’s only one theory why the Broncos did not add a WR to replace Pat Bryant in 11 personnel.
The Reason Why the Broncos Stood Pat During the Deadline
Head coach Sean Payton comes from the Bill Parcells coaching tree. The latter believed that vets playing in front of rookies stopped the rookies’ progress. It was a tight rope to walk for Payton and general manager George Paton, though.
The Broncos are ahead of schedule in their rebuild after making Russell Wilson the largest dead cap hit in league history after the 2023 season. Bo Nix, No. 15 in PFSN’s QB Impact Score, hasn’t fallen off after a 10-7 rookie season and a playoff appearance.
So, the Broncos could’ve gone with an all-in move before the deadline, but the asking price was too high, according to KOA Colorado’s Benjamin Allbright. On X, he said, “Dolphins wanted a 1st and more for Waddle, teams weren’t willing.”
Dolphins wanted a 1st and more for Waddle, teams weren’t willing.
— Benjamin Allbright (@AllbrightNFL) November 4, 2025
This backs the theory that Payton didn’t want to stop rookie third-round pick Bryant’s progress. For reference, the first three rounds are considered starter rounds. Because teams are willing to overpay if opportunity meets preparation.
The Los Angeles Rams sent a second and third-round pick to the Broncos for Von Miller during their Super Bowl-winning season. In addition, the Miami Dolphins sent a first and fourth-round pick for Bradley Chubb in 2022 as an all-in move.
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Allbright added, “Broncos did make calls about depth wide receivers and offensive line and also tight end over the last week, but the TE thing fell apart after that team had an injury at the position.”
Not adding a depth piece to the WRs room is an endorsement of Bryant. Looks like Bryant won’t even platoon the third receiver slot in 11 personnel. On a short week, the Broncos play the Las Vegas Raiders on “Thursday Night Football.” Mims Jr. may miss back-to-back games, paving the way for Bryant to get progressive snaps.