Broncos’ Best Trade Deadline Need Is a Short-Term Running Back

On November 4, the Denver Broncos sat atop the AFC West after beating the Kansas City Chiefs, putting a possible run at the conference’s top playoff seed in view. With the NFL trade deadline set for November 10, a midseason offensive addition is one way the team could strengthen its chances.

Running back is the most pressing position. RJ Harvey and Tyler Badie are both assigned to injured reserve, while J.K. Dobbins has struggled. Jonah Coleman has shown promise as a future lead back, and Harvey could be a useful second option when healthy, making a short-term replacement for Dobbins more appealing than a long-term commitment.

Tennessee’s Tony Pollard is one possible fit: his contract expires after this season, and Denver could potentially include Dobbins in a deal. Baltimore’s Derrick Henry is another possibility if the Ravens’ circumstances shift amid Lamar Jackson’s thumb injury. A trade for Indianapolis’ Jonathan Taylor has also drawn attention, but Taylor could be a longer-term addition that changes the Broncos’ future depth chart.

Tight end is a potential longer-range need, with Evan Engram’s contract expiring after the season. Philadelphia’s Dallas Goedert could be available, though he would be a short-term option. Arizona’s Trey McBride is viewed as an unlikely target because the Cardinals are not expected to move him.

A wide receiver trade appears less necessary. Pat Bryant, who went on injured reserve with an ankle sprain after Week 4, is eligible to return, and the Broncos could wait until after their Week 10 bye. The strongest case is for a modest running-back deal, potentially using late-round draft picks rather than pursuing a blockbuster.