The Denver Broncos enter their bye week with a 7-2 record after securing a 26-21 victory over the Carolina Panthers on Sunday in Charlotte. The win marks the fifth consecutive game where the team has managed to win by any means necessary, allowing them to take a break before the second half of the season begins.
With the NFL trade deadline approaching on Tuesday, head coach Sean Payton indicated that the team is evaluating its options. While Denver is considered a deep and talented roster, Payton suggested they may not make significant moves unless the price is right. League sources indicate that the front office is unlikely to pursue a seismic acquisition, such as running back Jonathan Taylor, given their current roster construction and limited salary cap space.
The Broncos have roughly $5 million in cap space, which restricts their ability to add major talent. Additionally, the team is one of the oldest in the league and possesses a strong collection of draft picks for 2027, including a likely fourth-round compensatory pick. These factors suggest Denver may prefer to stand pat and rely on their existing depth rather than spend premium capital on marginal upgrades.
A key focus for the second half of the season will be establishing a reliable running game. Rookie Jonah Coleman, who started Sunday for the first time, is viewed as the primary back. His ability to run both inside and outside makes him a versatile option. The coaching staff plans to build the offensive strategy around his talents, although the team is also awaiting the return of RJ Harvey and Tyler Badie from injured reserve later in the year.
On the receiving end, second-year wide receiver Pat Bryant is making a strong case for a larger role. Since returning from an ankle injury, Bryant has recorded four games with over 40 receiving yards, matching a team milestone previously achieved only by Courtland Sutton. The Broncos are looking to increase their run-after-catch production, an area where Bryant and Jaylen Waddle can provide significant value.
Defensive back Ja’Quan McMillian had a notable performance during his second NFL homecoming to North Carolina. The Winston-Salem native recorded six tackles, two for loss, and a sack of quarterback Bryce Young. McMillian, who was a spectator during a loss in his rookie year in 2022, described the experience as special with many family members in attendance.
McMillian’s performance has positioned him as a top candidate for a contract extension during the bye week. The Broncos have historically used this period to finalize deals with key players. While the team’s limited cap space complicates immediate moves, McMillian, along with other starters like Riley Moss and Brandon Jones, remains a priority for long-term retention.
The team finished Sunday’s game without four starters and several key players due to injuries. Defensive backs Talanoa Hufanga, Brandon Jones, Riley Moss, and Kris Abrams-Draine, along with defensive lineman Eyioma Uwazurike, outside linebacker Jonah Elliss, and running backs RJ Harvey and Tyler Badie, were all out. While the injured reserve players are not eligible to return until after the November 22 game, the other five are expected to be available for the next matchup.
Head coach Sean Payton confirmed that the team will have the entire week off, with many players participating in treatment and workouts. Quarterback Bo Nix expressed enthusiasm for the break, noting that it provides a chance to rest and debrief on the team’s progress. The pause allows the staff to analyze the first nine weeks and prepare for the remainder of the season.
Payton also addressed questions about the usage of his running backs, expressing a preference for the group to focus on football rather than media discussions about playing time. He noted that the depth chart is fluid and that the team will continue to utilize all available options as they navigate the final stretch of the regular season.
