While the rest of the NFL thought the Denver Broncos were going to be stuck in rebuilding mode in 2024, the Broncos had other plans.
One year and one surprise playoff appearance later, the Broncos are one of the AFC’s up and comers and might be just a player or 2 away from being a legitimate contender.
One thing they’re missing is a viable option at WR2 behind Courtland Sutton. While the Broncos spent a third round pick (No. 74 overall) on University of Illinois wide receiver Pat Bryant, relying on a rookie to pick up the receiving slack shouldn’t be anyone’s plan. Young wide receivers like DeVaughn Vele and Marvin Mims aren’t much better optioons.
The Broncos must therefore look into making a trade for another seasoned wide receiver. Allen Lazard, a wide receiver with the New York Jets, may be the finest candidate currently available to fill that position for the Broncos. Lazard recently consented to a huge pay cut for the last season of the $44 million, four-year contract he signed in March 2023, which will reduce his 2025 compensation from $11 million to $2.5 million. This suggests that the Broncos could be able to acquire Lazard in return for a 2026 or 2027 late-round pick, which would be particularly alluring to a team like the Jets that is actively rebuilding.
“Per a source with knowledge of the situation, Jets receiver Allen Lazard is ‘in play’ to be traded to the Steelers,” Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio wrote on May 7. ” … Lazard recently slashed his 2025 salary from $11 million to $2.5 million, with $1.75 million of it guaranteed. That becomes a downright bargain for the Steelers, who suddenly have a gaping hole on the depth chart behind DK Metcalf.”
