After eight games, it’s fair to make some assessments of the Denver Broncos’ offense. We see improvement in Bo Nix each week, yet he hasn’t shown top-tier potential. Likewise, Courtland Sutton, despite his demands, isn’t performing at an elite wide receiver level. And, the Broncos lack a game-changing running back on their roster.
Even so, Denver sits at 5-3 and remains firmly in the playoff mix, so pursuing help on offense could be worthwhile. A practical move might be trading for Carolina Panthers running back Miles Sanders. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler suggests Sanders could be available if the right offer comes in. For Denver, this could mean covering about $2 million of the $4 million guaranteed left on Sanders’ four-year, $25 million deal from March 2023, along with offering a conditional seventh-round pick.
The Panthers, struggling at 1-7, have already replaced Sanders with Chuba Hubbard as their starting running back and are offloading assets, as seen in their recent trade of wide receiver Diontae Johnson. They also seem eager to incorporate rookie Jonathan Brooks, who’s now healthy after an ACL injury last year.
According to Fowler, the Panthers are open to moving Sanders, though they may need to cover some of his remaining salary since the market for running backs hasn’t been as strong as for receivers.
Sanders was a standout with the Philadelphia Eagles, where he was drafted in the second round in 2019 and recorded impressive stats despite injuries. In 2022, he peaked with career highs of 1,269 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns, helping the Eagles reach the Super Bowl and earning his first Pro Bowl selection before signing with the Panthers.
Denver’s offense still seems to lack a key component. Fowler notes that Coach Sean Payton might look for a pass-catching back, recalling the type he favored with players like Darren Sproles.
Unless either Sutton or Javonte Williams has a breakout finish to the 2024 season, Denver is likely to continue its streak of not having a 1,000-yard rusher or receiver since 2019.
