Broncos urged to trade 31-game starter ahead of 2026 season

1 day ago 5

The Denver Broncos had an impressive 2025 season.

The team didn't have the highest expectations in the league, but they made a surprising run all the way to the AFC Championship Game. Of course, the Broncos went on to lose to the New England Patriots, but it was still undeniably a huge step for the franchise.

This offseason, the Broncos didn't make a ton of moves. The team, for the most part, stood pat, and seems to be okay relying on internal development. The biggest move was trading for wide receiver Jaylen Waddle, who should definitely help the offense.

The defense, though, will look very similar to the 2025 edition. However, one writer thinks the Broncos could end up trading a key defensive starter before Week 1.

Could Broncos trade Riley Moss?

Moe Moton of Bleacher Report recently proposed one trade for each NFL team. For the Broncos, Moton suggests trading starting cornerback Riley Moss for a 2027 mid-round pick.

Moton offered the following analysis:

This seems like a questionable move, but Denver selected Jahdae Barron in the first round of the 2025 draft. If the Broncos don't intend to sign Moss to an extension in a contract year, they should trade him at peak value and elevate Barron on the depth chart before Week 1.

In 2025, Moss started in all 17 games, tying Carolina Panthers cornerback Michael Jackson for a league-leading 19 pass breakups. On the trade block, he could draw interest from multiple suitors in need of a starter on the boundary.

As Moton mentioned, this trade seems questionable. Afterall, Moss tied for the most pass breakups in the league in 2025, and he started all 17 games for one of the best defenses in the league.

However, this deal is all about finances and younger talent. The Broncos spent a first-round pick on Jahdae Barron last year, and they certainly want to play him sooner than later. Moss is set to be a free agent after 2026, and with Barron in the wings, it seems unlikely that the Broncos would re-sign him.

As a result, trading Moss may be the best possible move, or the team could end up losing him for nothing in free agency.