The Denver Broncos need a wide receiver. Bad. Marvin Mims is in concussion protocol. That leaves rookie third-round pick Pat Bryant as the next man up in 11 personnel; one running back, one tight end. On a Super Bowl-contending team, that won’t cut it. GM George Paton must make a deal.
Jakobi Meyers
Starting with Jakobi Meyers, 29, here are three names Paton must inquire about before the trade deadline. Yes, the Las Vegas Raiders are in the same division as the Broncos. But the team just signed Tyler Lockett, potentially portending a deal for Meyers. In the final year of his contract, a Meyers trade nets the Raiders around $5 million in cap space.
As far as draft capital, it won’t cost more than a Day 3 pick. This is option A for Paton. To date, Meyers is first on the Raiders in targets, tied for first in receptions, and third on the Raiders in receiving yards per game.
Wan’Dale Robinson
Enter option B for Paton: Wan’Dale Robinson. The WR is second on the Giants in receiving yards per game, first in targets by 20, and first in receptions by 14. The problem, though, Robinson is going to cost more to acquire. Robinson, 24, is hitting his prime, unlike the Meyers mentioned above, who is winding down. On a rookie contract, the team that acquires Robinson likely extends him as well.
It probably costs a third-round or fourth-round pick, closer to the end of the third round, to acquire Robinson. The receiver effectively stops the progress of rookie Pat Bryant going into 2026 and beyond as well. But, on a Super Bowl-contending team, you can’t waste a season, especially with Mims in concussion protocol.
Rashid Shaheed
Option C is Rashid Shaheed. This is the most practical solution. Shaheed, 27, is in the final year of his contract, and the Saints save around $1 million trading the WR before the deadline. Acquiring Shaheed allows Mims to recover, keeps Troy Franklin mainly in the slot, and does not accelerate Bryant’s learning curve.
All while keeping the 6-2 Broncos’ Super Bowl aspirations high. With less than two weeks before the trade deadline, the Broncos are almost certain to acquire a wide receiver. Stay tuned, the day of reckoning will come.
