The Denver Broncos sent outside linebacker Baron Browning to the Arizona Cardinals this week in exchange for a late-round draft pick.
Broncos general manager George Paton and coach Sean Payton decided to part with one player, but Denver did not acquire any new players ahead of the NFL’s trade deadline.
Payton was asked about not bringing in any new talent after Wednesday’s practice.
“I like this group and then it’s just a matter of who’s… We weren’t considering giving up a second-[round draft pick],” Payton said. “Or, in other words, I think a lot of it is ‘who’ [is available]. The NFL train, I talk about it all the time. We don’t know who’s driving it yet, but we listen to it, that’s fine. When you really look at it closely. The phone rings, we pick up and yet we have to look at it in the eyes of what’s best for our team.
“We didn’t feel like… I don’t think we even got close to discussing someone seriously. Some teams will have a player that’s available — well that’s different — they’re available in their price range. But hey. We’re focused on this team.”
Payton seemed to imply that the Broncos did have conversations with other teams about potential trades, but the price tags were simply too high.
Payton obviously did not reveal which players they called about and which team seemingly asked for a second-round pick. Some fans wanted Denver to trade for Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku or Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins. It wouldn’t be surprising if either team wanted a second-round pick for those players.
With the trade deadline passed, the Broncos can only add free agents from now until the spring. Silly season is over. Now attention turns toward the second half of the NFL season.
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