Broncos should look to trade these four players before having to cut them

The Denver Broncos will have some familiar faces in key places for the 2025 season, but the team will be going in a different direction in others. 

The front office knows this team is gaining back the respect that it commanded for decades and after reaching the playoffs last season, the team will be looking to make a deep run this season. That starts with creating the 53-man roster after training camp and the preseason slate. 

With that will come some tough decisions and if these players are on the chopping block, the Broncos should look at obtaining something for them in a trade before cutting them.

Players Broncos should trade before cutting

Lucas Krull, TE

Lucas Krull won over Sean Payton after being released by the New Orleans Saints ahead of the 2023 season and has been with the Broncos ever since. But he has only 27 catches and has never shown the ability to be much more than just a depth piece at tight end. 

After bringing in Evan Engram as a free agent, the Broncos will be going in a new direction at tight end. The fact that seventh-round pick Caleb Lohner appears to be a player Payton believes he can mold into a contributor doesn't bode well for Krull. 

Jaleel McLaughlin, RB

To be clear, it would be a mistake for the Broncos to release Jaleel McLaughlin, but it is an idea that many people are buying.

RJ Harvey appears to be the new No. 1 running back for the Broncos and Audric Estime figures to get plenty of work in year two. The only other running backs on the depth chart are Tyler Badie and Blake Watson, but McLaughlin could still be left on the outside looking in. 

Eyioma Uwazurike, DL

The Broncos held onto Eyioma Uwazurike despite his off-field issues related to breaking the league's policy against gambling. But he's never done anything of note for the team and the third-round selection of Sai'vion Jones, one the Broncos traded up to make, could push someone like Uwazurike off the roster. 

Ja'Quan McMillian, CB

As discussed here, it would be a shame for the Broncos to trade Ja'Quan McMillian, but that would be better than just releasing him. However, the first-round selection of Jahdae Barron relegates him to a backup spot on the roster despite him being quite productive for the team. 

The Broncos may see more value in seeing what they can get in return for McMillian rather than just parking him on the bench and only using him in situational spots this coming season. 

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