Broncos could provide trade assist to needy NFC North team

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The Denver Broncos could have the answer to a sudden need for the Detroit Lions.

Following his arrest last week on serious charges, the Lions made the decision on Monday to release cornerback Terrion Arnold. The Lions used their first-round pick to select Arnold in the 2024 NFL Draft and he was about to enter his third season with the team.

Now thin at that position, the Lions could look for a team with a surplus, and the Broncos have that.

Pat Surtain II remains the best cornerback in the league, but the supporting cast behind him is highly underrated, led by Riley Moss and Ja'Quan McMillian. Last season, the Broncos used their first-round pick on Jahdae Barron out of Texas, but he played sparingly, and with as well as McMillian played as the team's nickel corner, there is a good chance Barron won't see much more playing time in 2026.

The Broncos will want to get Barron more involved to justify using a first-round pick on him, but McMillian should not be taken off the field for that to happen. The same should be said for Moss. The Broncos will have to slowly work Moss into the lineup, but if he doesn't do much more than he did last season, he'll be entering year three without a ton of playing experience and he could be easily overwhelmed if he is thrust into a starting role with the team.

With Moss and McMillian both set to hit free agency this offseason, that could be a possibility. The free agency status of those two players would be the biggest factor in any potential deal. It might make the most sense for the Broncos to just extend the contracts of Moss and McMillian and look for a trade partner for Barron, who could still fetch a solid return based on his potential ceiling.

There are those who won't want to entertain this idea, feeling that allowing Barron to take over for either McMillian or Moss in 2027 makes the most sense. After all, the Broncos did spend a premium pick to get him. However, if the Broncos see quality play out of an undrafted player such as Brent Austin or Blake Cotton, along with more progression from Kris Abrams-Draine, a deal should be considered, particularly if a team would be willing to spend a second or even third-round pick to get Barron.

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The Lions are a team still looking to contend in the NFC and could very well be willing to do just that.