The Denver Broncos were seriously something else in 2025, taking everyone by surprise with a deep AFC Championship run. Yeah, they dropped the ball against the Patriots there, but still, what a massive leap for the franchise! Coming into the 2026 season, the Broncos haven't gone wild in the offseason. They mostly stood pat, seemingly banking on their internal talent to step up. The biggest splash was definitely snagging wide receiver Jaylen Waddle, which is huge for that offense. But here's where things get wild: one writer is floating the idea of trading a key defensive starter before Week 1.
Is Trading Riley Moss a Total Head-Scratcher?
Moe Moton from Bleacher Report just tossed out a trade proposal for every NFL team, and for the Broncos, it's a jaw-dropper. He's suggesting they move starting cornerback Riley Moss for a 2027 mid-round pick. Now, if you're like me, your first thought is, "Wait, what?!" This dude was a beast last season! Moss started all 17 games in 2025 and, get this, he tied Carolina Panthers cornerback Michael Jackson for a league-leading 19 pass breakups. That's elite production from one of the best defenses in the league. You really want to trade a guy doing that? Moton himself even called it "a questionable move," and I'm with him on that one. Moss could absolutely draw interest from multiple teams needing a boundary starter, and for good reason.The Money, The Youth, The Hard Choices
So, why would the Broncos even consider such a bold move with a player who put up such big numbers? It all comes down to finances and foresight, apparently. The Broncos invested a first-round pick in Jahdae Barron back in the 2025 draft, and they obviously want to see that young talent on the field sooner rather than later. Moss is entering a contract year, set to hit free agency after 2026. If the Broncos don't plan on signing him to an extension, they're facing a tough call: either trade him now at "peak value" and elevate Barron, or risk losing him for absolutely nothing in free agency. It's a calculated gamble, trading a known performer for a future pick and betting big on the guy you drafted to take his spot. It’s a move that could shape their defense for the next few years, and you know Broncos fans are holding their breath on this one.This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.