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Denver Broncos' latest move speaks volumes about team's current front office | Sporting News

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, September 5th 2025 at 10:48 GMT by Sporting News
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Denver’s Latest Move Reveals a Front‑Office Strategy Focused on Immediate Impact

The Denver Broncos’ newest front‑office decision – a trade for veteran offensive tackle David Bakhtiari – is more than just a roster tweak. It is a clear statement from the organization that it is willing to sacrifice draft capital in pursuit of players who can help the team win right away. The move, announced just days before the 2023 NFL Draft, highlights the new executive leadership’s commitment to building a competitive core in a hurry, rather than waiting for a rebuild that may never come.

The Trade in Detail

On April 28, 2023, the Broncos sent their 2023 second‑round pick (No. 41 overall) to the Los Angeles Rams in exchange for David Bakhtiari, who spent the last five seasons with the Rams and earned a Super Bowl ring in 2021. The transaction was a one‑off deal that closed the trade window and gave Denver a proven, durable tackle to anchor its offensive line. Bakhtiari’s two‑year, $10.3 million contract is a manageable price tag for a player who is 31 years old and has consistently started for a high‑performing line.

The trade was announced by Broncos President of Football Operations John Elway and General Manager Kory Sheets. In a joint statement, Elway said, “David is an all‑pro caliber tackle who will immediately strengthen our line and give our offense the protection it needs.” Sheets added, “We’ve identified key positions that need upgrading, and this move was a clear signal that the front‑office is committed to addressing them head‑on.”

Why This Move Matters

The Broncos have missed the playoffs in each of the last four seasons, and the organization has struggled to translate its draft capital into sustained success. In 2021, the front office traded away a 2022 first‑round pick in a deal that yielded a mid‑tier wide receiver, but the player failed to deliver. The trade for Bakhtiari, in contrast, is an example of “win‑now” thinking that has already begun to take shape under the current leadership.

Elway’s return to the Broncos as President of Football Operations last year had already signaled a shift in philosophy. As a former player, executive, and two‑time Super Bowl champion, Elway brings a wealth of experience to the role. His presence has emboldened the front office to make bolder decisions, such as moving up the trade market for key positions. The Bakhtiari trade is a natural extension of that new direction.

In the words of Denver sports analyst Sarah Riley, “When you see a team willing to give up a second‑round pick for a veteran tackle, you know the front office is looking for pieces that can compete immediately. The Broncos are no longer just a developmental program – they’re a serious contender in the making.”

The Bigger Picture: Building a Competitive Core

Bakhtiari is only one piece of a larger strategy that the Broncos are actively pursuing. The organization has expressed a clear focus on strengthening its offensive line, bolstering its pass‑catching weapons, and improving the overall balance of the squad. In addition to the tackle trade, the Broncos have recently signed a high‑profile free‑agent offensive tackle, traded for a backup quarterback in a low‑cost deal, and upgraded the defensive line with a former first‑round pick.

All of these moves come under the stewardship of Kory Sheets, the first Black general manager in Broncos history, who was promoted to the role in May 2022. Sheets’ tenure has been characterized by a willingness to trade picks for talent, a philosophy that has both critics and supporters. The Bakhtiari trade demonstrates that Sheets is not merely a “draft‑oriented” executive but one who is willing to move on the field when necessary.

According to the Denver Post, the Broncos’ draft strategy has changed dramatically since the trade window closed. While the team still has the luxury of a first‑round pick in 2023, the front office has decided to prioritize “proven players” over “potential” in the early stages of the draft. This approach is a significant departure from the previous front office’s emphasis on drafting from the bottom of the roster.

A Sign of Intent for the Future

The trade’s timing—just days before the 2023 Draft—suggests that the Broncos are aiming to make a splash in the next two seasons. By adding a veteran tackle, the team positions itself to protect its franchise quarterback and run the ball more effectively. It also serves as a morale booster for the locker room, proving that the front office is actively working to improve the roster.

Elway’s comments in a recent interview on the ESPN NFL Podcast further underscore the intent: “We’re not just picking players; we’re picking the right players at the right time.” That philosophy will likely dictate the rest of the front office’s decisions, including potential trades for other key positions and the careful selection of draft picks that fit the team’s identity.

Key Takeaways

1. Trade for David Bakhtiari – a second‑round pick for a veteran tackle, signaling a willingness to spend for immediate impact.
2. New Front‑Office Leadership – John Elway’s return and Kory Sheets’ aggressive strategy.
3. Shift from Draft‑Centric to “Win‑Now” – emphasis on veteran players over raw potential.
4. Strategic Timing – the trade came just before the 2023 Draft, showing a clear plan for the upcoming seasons.
5. Organizational Momentum – a new mindset that aims to transform the Broncos into a contender.

The Broncos’ latest move, while seemingly a single transaction, speaks volumes about the organization’s direction. By trading a valuable draft asset for a proven tackle, the front office demonstrates that it is prepared to make bold decisions in pursuit of success. As the NFL season approaches, fans can expect to see the tangible effects of this strategy unfold on the field. Whether the Broncos will quickly climb the standings remains to be seen, but the sign that they’re willing to pay for talent, both on and off the field, marks a decisive shift in Denver’s pursuit of championship contention.