The Denver Broncos will have elevated expectations in 2024 in year two under head coach Sean Payton. The Russell Wilson experiment in Denver did not work out, with the team releasing the QB this offseason and eating a monster dead cap hit.

The Broncos made several frugal moves in free agency to fill holes on the roster without sacrificing too much future cap space. The team added players like WR Josh Reynolds, LB Cody Barton, TE Adam Trautman, and DT Malcolm Roach on reasonable, short-term contracts. Denver will get some great bang for their buck from these players.

They also made some nice picks in the 2024 NFL Draft. Denver added QB Bo Nix, WR Troy Franklin, and RB Audric Estime to raise the floor for their offense.

Give Denver credit for assembling a team this season despite having one hand tied behind their back. The Broncos have a solid team that can play some competitive football in 2024, but they still seem to be a far cry away from a contender. However, that shouldn't be their goal for this season.

A successful 2024 campaign will result in Bo Nix adapting to the NFL game and showing signs that he is the Broncos franchise QB of the future. As long as that happens, Denver's win-loss record will not matter.

Therefore, the Broncos should consider adding a few more pieces to flesh out their roster ahead of training camp. Let's explore three potential trade targets who could be good fits in Denver.

Davis Mills – QB – Houston Texans

Despite all of the moves that Denver has made at QB this offseason, they still have a serious need for a reliable backup.

The Broncos would be wise not to ignore the backup QB position in 2024. Bo Nix isn't the most polished rookie coming out of college. However, Denver's current QB situation will dictate that he become their immediate starter.

The current backup QB situation is rough. Jarrett Stidham is an okay backup, but has never proven to be anything more than that. Meanwhile, Zach Wilson is nothing more than a reclamation project.

Davis Mills, on the other hand, has proven that he can be a competent spot starter in the NFL. The Houston Texans are set at QB with CJ Stroud and veteran Case Keenum, which could make it easier for them to part with Mills.

Mills is on the last year of his rookie contract, but he makes sense as a cheap backup QB for 2024 at worst. It's easy to imagine Mills finding a long-term home in Denver as a backup and mentor to Bo Nix if he can impress the coaching staff.

Jarran Reed – DT – Seattle Seahawks

Jarran Reed has had a solid NFL career, but arguably hasn't lived up to expectations as a second-round pick in 2016.

Reed has played for the Seattle Seahawks for most of his career and has a reputation as a solid all-around defensive lineman best suited to depth and rotational work.

Despite his solid track record in Seattle, it is easy to imagine that they would be ready to move on from Reed in a trade.

Mike Macdonald is the new head coach of the Seahawks and will bring his defensive scheme with him from Baltimore. Seattle currently has a ton of talent on the defensive line, so much in fact that they will have some tough decisions to make before the regular season.

This trade feels like a potential win-win for both teams. Jarran Reed would be much more valuable in Denver than in Seattle. Reed would join Zach Allen, John Franklin-Myers, and Malcolm Roach in a defensive end rotation and possibly be the best player in the bunch.

Meanwhile, the Seahawks may be willing to give Reed up for cheap considering they may end up cutting him before the regular season either way.

Michael Jackson – CB – Seattle Seahawks

The Broncos could use another spot starter at cornerback to go along with starters Pat Surtain II and Levi Wallace. Ja'Quan McMillan has shown flashes before, but the depth behind him does not inspire confidence.

Jackson has been a solid cornerback for the Seahawks, but he is becoming less and less important thanks to the emergence of Riq Woolen and the Seahawks selecting Devon Witherspoon in the first round last year.

He is only signed to a one-year deal, which would fit with how Denver has built the team this offseason. Jackson could earn an extension or simply play out his contract in 2024.

As long as he comes cheap, Denver would be wise to consider adding Jackson.