Horse Tracks: Broncos stand pat as NFL Trading Deadline passes

Good morning, Broncos Country.

A handful of big moves were made in the NFL yesterday prior to the closing of the NFL Trading Deadline. The Miami Dolphins traded running back Jay Ajayi to the Philadelphia Eagles and the Buffalo Bills acquired wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin from the Carolina Panthers. The Cleveland Browns attempted to acquire AJ McCarron from the Cincinnati Bengals, but a paperwork snafu ended the hopes of them landing the highly-touted back-up quarterback. Those hoping the Denver Broncos would be active and make a move were left disappointed, as the team were neither buyers or sellers and decided to stand pat as the NFL Trading Deadline came to a close at 4:00 PM (EST) yesterday afternoon.

There were a handful of fans (including myself) who thought the Broncos would be active near the trading deadline. I didn’t expect an earth-shattering move, but thought it may have been prudent for the franchise to add an offensive tackle into the fold considering the horrendous play the team has received at the right tackle position all season long. For several weeks, rumors existed that the Broncos were discussing a potential trade with the aforementioned Bills, who have an excess of tackles on their roster. Cordy Glenn was the big name most people were hoping for, but ultimately those hopes came crashing down after no trade was made.

The Broncos, who are now on the outside looking with their playoff hopes dwindling fast after three straight losses, will continue the season with the players that they have. No help is on the horizon, only the prospect that the team will make some significant internal moves to bolster the efficacy of an offense that has performed dreadfully throughout the season. It’s a strong possibility that third-year pro Trevor Siemian is benched sometime soon, but fans hoping he is going to be replaced by Paxton Lynch may want to pump the brakes on that possibility. If any move there is made, expect Brock Osweiler to be the man who takes the lead of the team’s offense moving forward.

It’s certainly not a solution to a long-term problem, but all things considered, it’s probably the best decision the team can make in hopes to salvage a season that is on life support.

Were you surprised that the Broncos opted to not make any trades before the deadline? Sound off in the comments section and make your voice heard.

As always, thank you for reading and here is today’s offering of Horse Tracks.

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