The Broncos were stagnant at the NFL trade deadline, signaling a new approach on the season for Denver. Following a lopsided defeat by the Baltimore Ravens, a call from fans was made more emphatic than ever. The demand for offensive talent was loud and it was not answered by means of any trade. Going into the deadline, there was buzz about Cooper Kupp in Los Angeles, Tee Higgins in Cincinnati, David Njoku in Cleveland, Diontae Johnson in Carolina, and many more weapons potentially in play for Denver to acquire. Of the four mentioned, three remained in place, with Johnson being dealt to the Ravens before the game on Sunday. It is unclear whether the Broncos were talkative with any teams, but one thing does remain clear: Denver is wildly untalented on offense.

Truth being told, I don't believe that a single receiver or tight end (save for maybe Sutton) on Denver's roster would start or even see any legitimate playing time for any other team in the league. Lil'Jordan Humphrey has the second most playing time out of Denver's stable of receivers. Nothing personal against Humphrey, that is embarrassing for the organization. He has proven to be a solid fourth or fifth option, maybe even one simply coming on and off the practice squad. However, he is on field constantly and proves to be a liability with crucial fumbles and drops leading to interceptions. Sutton has shown he is a fantastic deep 50/50 threat but struggles to get much separation elsewhere and when he does, he drops many passes. Marvin Mims Jr. does not appear to be showing an ounce of effort when he does see the field on offense. The rookies Vele and Franklin are bright spots, but both are young and need development, which they are seeing, but it does take time. The tight ends aside from the Carolina game have been a non-impact group for the team. Overall, the weapons being handed to the young first rounder at QB are weak and as untalented as it gets in the National Football League.

Bo Nix has had his share of struggles, but in general has been the most encouraging part of the offense. Nix routinely has shown progression this season as he reads the field better and better each week. His footwork, that was a large focus for him in preparing for the NFL draft has seen real time improvement just from weeks 2 to 9. Nix displays his remarkable athleticism every game, breaking long runs, avoiding sacks, and apparently catching touchdowns now instead of just throwing or running for them. It is not hyperbolic to say that his “Moss” catch could very well have been the most impressive touchdown catch of the year by a Bronco. Bo Nix is a symbol of hope for the city of Denver, and he is being done a disservice by lack of movement at the deadline. Nix has the highest dropped pass rate in the NFL, with the most lost yards due to drops out of any quarterback in the league. Give him any extra help and his average passing yards per game likely nets 50 more on average… at least. With very little help, Nix won offensive rookie of the month for October after he notched multiple head-turning performances. While fans may be quick to be critical, I would caution them from falling into having PTSD from the QBs of the past 8 years. Bo Nix is different, and the numbers and eye tests prove that already. His development the rest of the year is on his, Sean Payton, and Davis Webb's shoulders alone. He will not have any cavalry for now.

The choice to not move for talent at the deadline is staggering but it does shed light on the perceived direction of the team. A record of 5-4 and a playoff spot for now seems to be an exciting circumstance to the coaches rather than a call for pursuit. Though the Broncos made one trade, they really were not buyers nor sellers, showing that they do not feel they need massive rebuild or a last second push for a playoff run. Denver sent Baron Browning to the Arizona Cardinals for a sixth-round pick. At first to Bronco fans, this feels like a low offer. In reality Browning was due for a new contract at the end of the year, and they clearly did not want to re-sign him. It makes sense. Dondrea Tillman, Jonah Ellis, and Jonathon Cooper each have outplayed Browning this year and appear to offer a better future at the OLB/Edge position. Cooper inked a new 4-year, $60 million deal to lockdown and reward the top production for Denver. The trade of Browning is largely not a huge deal and does not signal the Broncos being sellers.

The team will now look to complete a season that has already given much needed excitement for fans, coaches, and players with the people they have. Choosing to not add talent where it is immediately needed does show that they have a bigger picture on the development of the team. They will instead look ahead to the upcoming draft and free agency to fill the needs on offense. The benefit of the improvement of the offensive line, Bo Nix, and the defense as a whole is that Denver has the luxury of drafting a receiver in the first round, something that you will see contenders often do. The early looks at mock drafts should see Bronco fans focusing on receivers like Emeka Egbuka out of Ohio State and Luther Burden out of Missouri.

Denver is certainly not out of the mix for the playoffs at this rate, however the focus of the organization seems to be on general development and a more serious chase next year once Nix has a year under his belt and can be given a wider variety of options. If the Broncos make the playoffs, call it a happy surprise. If they don't, remember that does not appear to have been the goal and it is progress to even be seen as contenders at this point in the year. At just week 9, the Broncos have far surpassed most people's expectations and the future is bright on the front range.