As the NFL trade deadline approaches next Tuesday, the Denver Broncos find themselves at a crossroads. Many fans in Broncos Country are eager for the team to be proactive, seeking to acquire a new weapon for quarterback Bo Nix in the passing game. However, a different strategy might be in play regarding players on their own roster.
While rumors circulate about potential trades, it seems unlikely that the Broncos will deal wide receiver Courtland Sutton. Despite ongoing speculation, trading Sutton wouldn’t make much sense, especially after the team invested more money in him during the offseason. Additionally, the Broncos should keep their backup quarterbacks, Jarrett Stidham and Zach Wilson, unless an irresistible offer arises. Most teams in contention have solid backup options, meaning the Broncos may not receive significant trade value for either player. With Bo Nix proving himself as a capable rookie, the Broncos can afford to maintain their current quarterback situation, potentially leveraging one of them in future trades.
Instead, tight end Greg Dulcich stands out as the only player on the roster who has likely worn out his welcome. After suffering injuries during his first two seasons, Dulcich entered this year healthy but has struggled to make an impact. With only five receptions in the first four games and being a healthy scratch in the last four, it seems clear that his time with the Broncos may be nearing an end.
Broncos head coach Sean Payton addressed Dulcich’s benching, stating, “He’s working. His attitude is fantastic. He’s doing all the things we’re asking from him. We’re just getting more (now) from the others.” This sentiment reflects the team’s current preference for utilizing Adam Trautman and Lucas Krull at the tight end position.
Though fans may dream of trades for notable tight ends like David Njoku or Evan Engram, the Broncos appear satisfied with their current roster. Dulcich, once expected to be an athletic receiving tight end capable of stretching the field, has failed to meet expectations. As a former third-round pick, he now represents a potential asset that the Broncos should explore trading before it’s too late.
Teams such as the Philadelphia Eagles, dealing with an injured Dallas Goedert, and the San Francisco 49ers, in need of an athletic backup to George Kittle, could find value in Dulcich. If the Broncos fail to trade him before the deadline, Dulcich’s tenure with the team may fade into obscurity, leaving him to be viewed as one of the more disappointing draft picks in recent team history.
