Sean Payton discusses possible Broncos trades with deep roster, cuts looming

Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton said he’ll be “rooting” for guys he has to cut this time next week.

Those comments came after the Broncos blasted the Arizona Cardinals on Saturday night.

Even though it was mostly backups that played, it’s very clear Denver has a deep roster.

Unfortunately, you can’t keep everyone, and trimming the group from 90 players to 53 players will be here before you know it.

However, it’s always possible to trade someone, getting an asset in return instead of letting him walk for nothing. After practice on Tuesday, Sean Payton was asked about potential trades.

“The easy part is the fielding calls, because if they come then you sit and discuss what call came,” Payton said.

Could teams be calling on someone like running backs Audric Estime or Jaleel McLaughlin? Or perhaps backup QB Jarrett Stidham? Payton didn’t get into specifics, but it’s clear he likes when another franchise rings the Broncos.

“What happens a lot is the call that comes that’s very open-ended, what are you guys looking for? What are we looking for? And you know that there’s a target in their mind,” Payton said.

With Denver looking like some hard decisions are coming, getting back a pick makes sense. That’s what happened with tight end Albert Okwuegbunam a couple of years ago, as the Broncos sent him to the Eagles and improved their draft position.

Still, Payton is happy to be in this position, with too many good players and not enough spots.

“But listen, I like the decisions we have to make, be it they’re tough ones, and the process is still ongoing,” Payton said.

That process will be fascinating to watch how it plays out.

In the meantime, Sean Payton doesn’t sound like he’s shutting the door on any potential trades to make the Broncos better now and in the future.

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