Broncos Ship Former Pick to NFC South in Preseason Trade

Only 55 days remain until the 2026 NFL campaign begins, and the league is already buzzing with roster moves as teams trim down to 53 players. The preseason window always brings a flurry of trades, each designed to address specific needs before the regular season kicks off. Bleacher Report’s Moe Moton has taken the unusual step of recommending a concrete trade for every franchise, and the Atlanta Falcons’ proposed deal stands out.

Falcons Seek a No. 2 Receiver Upgrade

Atlanta’s receiving corps is dominated by Drake London, who commands the top target spot, while Jahan Dotson, Olamide Zaccheaus and rookie Zachariah Branch compete for the secondary receiving duties. This lack of a clear-cut No. 2 option has left the Falcons vulnerable to defensive mismatches. To fill that void, Moton suggests sending a late‑round pick in next year’s draft to the Denver Broncos in exchange for Marvin Mims Jr.

Denver’s Perspective on Mims and Special‑Teams Value

Marvin Mims Jr. is slated to become an unrestricted free agent after the upcoming season, making this potentially his final year in Denver. While some critics label him as buried deep on the Broncos’ roster, Mims excels as a return man, earning two Pro Bowl selections in his first three seasons for his work on kick returns. Denver has also experimented with Mims as a gadget player, relying heavily on bubble screens and reverse designs, which some analysts believe has stunted his development as a consistent pass catcher.

Trade Timing and Potential Impact

The Falcons would accelerate Mims’ free‑agency timeline by securing him now, but league insiders note that a more informed decision could come later in the season after evaluating on‑field performance. The Broncos still retain Mims for the 2026 campaign and may explore a contract extension rather than moving him outright. Any deal involving a player who can hit the market next offseason should be weighed carefully, and the Falcons’ interest makes the scenario worth watching.

Broader Context for the Broncos’ Roster

Denver’s recent acquisition of Jaylen Waddle from the Miami Dolphins reshaped its receiving depth chart, adding another playmaker alongside Courtland Sutton and Troy Franklin. The trio of Sutton, Franklin and quarterback Bo Nix has built a reliable rapport, while second‑year WR Pat Bryant is also in the mix for snaps. With roster cuts looming, front‑office discussions about Mims’ role will likely center on balancing offensive depth with special‑teams contributions.

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