4 logical destinations for Broncos to send Troy Franklin to in a trade

The Denver Broncos made a trade to acquire Jaylen Waddle from the Miami Dolphins earlier this week, giving the team a much more positive outlook at the wide receiver position. The Broncos added one of the league's quickest receivers, one with nearly 400 receptions in his four seasons in the league. 

This move will allow Courtland Sutton to settle into more of a No. 2 role within the offense, taking some pressure off of him. It should also allow for continued growth for the young wide receivers behind them on the depth chart and the team shouldn't need to force them into situations they aren't ready for. 

However, the Broncos did have to give up multiple draft picks in order to obtain Waddle. With Waddle, Sutton, Troy Franklin, Marvin Mims Jr., Pat Bryant and Lil'Jordan Humphrey on the roster, there is a question about whether the Broncos should consider moving one of the younger receivers they have. With the draft still ahead, followed by the undrafted rookie process, the team could still add more receivers before the season starts. 

The Broncos should consider trading one of these players and the one that seems to make the most sense is Franklin. 

Broncos should shop Troy Franklin around

The Broncos traded up 19 slots in the fourth round of the 2024 draft to select Franklin, a college teammate of Bo Nix. He is coming off a solid second season with the team, but with Waddle, Sutton and Mims all in front of him, he can easily be considered expendable at this point. 

If the Broncos could get back the fourth-round pick they used to select Franklin two years ago, that would have to be considered a win. Here are four teams that could be interested in his services. 

Indianapolis Colts

The Colts signed Alec Pierce to a record deal this offseason, but after trading Michael Pittman Jr. to the Pittsburgh Steelers, it leaves the wide receiver group a bit thin. Adding Franklin to form a trio with Pierce and Josh Downs could make sense. 

Baltimore Ravens

The Ravens are always looking for quick deep threats for Lamar Jackson to get the ball to. They have a solid No. 1 option in Zay Flowers, but there's not much behind him. 

Washington Commanders

Deebo Samuel remains an unrestricted free agent as of this writing and behind Terry McLaurin, the Commanders' top options are Treylon Burks and Luke McCaffrey. Franklin could fit well with this team, catching passes from Jayden Daniels. 

New York Jets

The Jets have Garrett Wilson and an intriguing player in Adonai Mitchell, but this team is going to need all the help it can get on offense next year, so taking a shot at Franklin and building what could become a great young trio of receivers should be considered. 

HOT READ: Broncos finally add a free agent from another team, bolstering the secondary

More Broncos Content

NFL Power Rankings: Broncos still sitting pretty despite quiet free-agent period

Broncos' updated list of 2026 draft picks following trade for Jaylen Waddle

Grading the Broncos' trade to get Jaylen Waddle from Miami Dolphins

5 things to know about new Broncos wide receiver Jaylen Waddle

Broncos' former Pro-Bowl player correctly predicted team making a big move