The Denver Broncos were not expected to be at the center of wide receiver trade buzz this week, but ESPN may have just changed that.
In ESPNâs latest NFL combine intel column, insiders Jeremy Fowler and Dan Graziano revealed that interest around Eagles star A.J. Brown is gaining traction. Fowler reported that âinterest in A.J. Brown has picked up here late in the week.â
He noted that some teams believe a second-round pick represents his true trade value. However, he questioned whether that would be enough for Eagles general manager Howie Roseman.
More notably for Denver, Fowler added that some around the league believe Philadelphia could target a veteran wide receiver in return as part of a potential deal, specifically mentioning the possibility of a Brown-Courtland Sutton swap.
That possibility is enough to spark real conversation around Denver, especially for a team that desires a big-time star playmaker this offseason.
ESPN Urges Broncos to Upgrade at WR
The Broncos are very serious about maximizing Bo Nixâs development heading into 2026. Upgrading the No. 1 receiver spot would be one of the most aggressive moves they could make.
Sutton has been productive and steady, but A.J. Brown represents a different tier of receiver.
Brown is a three-time second-team All-Pro who has eclipsed 1,000 receiving yards in five of his seven NFL seasons. Even in what was considered a âdownâ year in 2025, he posted 1,003 yards and seven touchdowns on 78 catches.
His physicality, yards-after-catch ability and dominance in contested situations would instantly elevate Denverâs passing attack.
Sutton, meanwhile, remains a respected veteran and former Pro Bowler.
He has totaled 6,357 career receiving yards and has been a dependable presence in Denverâs offense over the last eight years.
But he hasnât consistently forced defenses to adjust the way Brown does.
For a young quarterback like Nix, having a receiver of Brownâs caliber could completely change the direction of the offense.
Would the Broncos Actually Pull the Trigger
The question is cost.
Graziano noted that Philadelphiaâs asking price remains high and that the Eagles would need to be âblown awayâ to move Brown. If first-round compensation enters the conversation, the calculus changes quickly.
However, if Sutton is central to the framework of a deal, Denver might avoid surrendering premium draft capital.
From a roster construction standpoint, it could make sense. Marvin Mims provides speed and vertical juice, while Troy Franklin and Pat Bryant flashed promise late last season.
While Sutton has had his moments, what Denver lacks is a true elite No. 1 receiver who can consistently take over games.
Brown fits that description perfectly.
Nothing is imminent, and Roseman has a reputation for holding firm in negotiations. But the mere fact that ESPN insiders are connecting Denver to a potential Brown swap for Sutton suggests this could be a real possibility.
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