Denver Broncos coach Sean Payton downplayed the NFL trade deadline in recent weeks and at least one report suggested the team would stand pat ahead of the deadline.
Perhaps that was a smokescreen.
The Broncos shipped outside linebacker Baron Browning to the Arizona Cardinals on Monday in exchange for a sixth-round draft pick. That ended up being the team’s only trade, but it wasn’t their only transaction.
Denver also gave a four-year, $60 million contract extension to fellow pass rusher Jonathon Cooper, locking him up through the 2028 season.
The Broncos could also get some reinforcements on the injury front this week. Denver wide receiver Josh Reynolds (finger) and center Luke Wattenberg (ankle) are both eligible to return from injured reserve and linebacker Drew Sanders is “close to returning” from an Achilles injury.
Broncos move before NFL trade deadline
With the deadline now passed, Denver’s full attention turns toward Sunday’s showdown with the Kansas City Chiefs on the road.
