Broncos predicted to make 'shocking' trade to gain leg up in playoff race

2 hours ago 5

The Denver Broncos are considered to be one of the primary contenders in the AFC in 2026, but does the team need to make another big move to help put it over the top?

The Broncos have made it a priority this offseason to return as many players from last year's roster as possible. Being so close to reaching the Super Bowl, the thought is that not a lot of tweaks were necessary.

With one of the league's best defenses in tow, the Broncos did make a major move on the offensive side of the ball, trading for Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle. But could Sean Payton look to his New Orleans roots to bring in one of his former players? The idea of the Broncos acquiring veteran running back Alvin Kamara has been teased for some time, and Gary Davenport of Bleacher Report is bringing it to the surface once more.

Discussing six trades that would impact the playoff race in 2026, Davenport believes the Broncos should make a move for Kamara, suggesting that he could be had for a sixth-round pick in next year's draft. Here was his analysis:

"From the moment that the New Orleans Saints spent big on running back Travis Etienne Jr. in free agency, there has been speculation that Alvin Kamara's days in the Big Easy could be numbered.

While identifying potential trade partners for Kamara, Bleacher Report's Alex Kay suggested a reunion with former head coach Sean Payton in Denver makes a lot of sense:

Kamara's numbers were down last year, but as recently as 2024 he flirted with 1,500 total yards. Right now, the Broncos have a veteran back in JK Dobbins who can't stay healthy and a youngster in R.J. Harvey who averaged 3.7 yards per carry last season.

Given the modest cost in terms of draft capital it would take to acquire Kamara and the fact that Denver has already been aggressive this offseason in acquiring offensive talent, this is a deal that almost makes too much sense to happen."

It certainly makes sense in some ways. Kamara's role in New Orleans is sure to be reduced with the addition of Etienne and with him coming off a quiet 2025 season, his confidence can't be terribly high.

In Denver, he would have a chance to finish his career on a high note for a Super Bowl contender with the coach who drafted him. That has to be enticing. But is there room for Kamara in the Mile High City?

The Broncos re-signed J.K. Dobbins this offseason before using a fourth-round pick on Jonah Coleman. They also have RJ Harvey, who has drawn comparisons to Kamara. It would be a boost for the team to have Kamara's experience and he would be an upgrade over Jaleel McLaughlin and Tyler Badie as a fourth running back on the depth chart, but questions about how often the team would need to turn to him would be legitimate.

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With all of that said, if this trade is an option, particularly for the price suggested by Davenport, it's a move the Broncos should easily make.