AFC West trade targets: Broncos should move on from former first-round pick

With the NFL trade deadline looming on Oct. 31, here are trades each team in the AFC West should make.

Denver Broncos: Ship WR Jerry Jeudy to Packers for second-round pick

Jeudy has yet to break out under Denver head coach Sean Payton. While his numbers are decent (20 catches, 222 yards), they could be better. Multiple suitors might offer a solid package for the former first-round pick, so the Broncos should place him on the trade block.

Bill Barnwell of ESPN recently suggested Denver should trade the 24-year-old and a 2024 fourth-rounder to the Green Bay Packers for a 2024 second-rounder and WR Romeo Doubs. The move makes sense for both teams. The Broncos (1-5) need more draft capital to rebuild, and the Packers offense — 21st in the NFL in passing yards (200 YPG) — needs more reliable targets.

Moving on from Jeudy will give promising rookie WR Marvin Mims Jr. more opportunities. The former Oklahoma Sooner has 10 receptions for 246 yards, but he's only played on 97 snaps, per Pro Football Reference. 

Kansas City Chiefs: Chiefs acquire Arizona Cardinals WR Marquise Brown

Kansas City (5-1) needs more productive pass-catchers. Besides TE Travis Kelce (36) and rookie WR Rashee Rice (21), no Chief has crossed the 20-reception mark.

Brown will help the position group improve. Although Cardinals backup QB Joshua Dobbs is filling in for Kyler Murray (ACL), the 26-year-old has logged 29 receptions for 334 yards and three TDs in six games. His numbers should improve with Kansas City QB Patrick Mahomes, a two-time league MVP. 

Las Vegas Raiders: Raiders trade  for Carolina Panthers LB Brian Burns

The Athletic's Dianna Russini reported the Raiders are looking for another pass-rusher after they released Chandler Jones. DE Maxx Crosby is carrying the defense, leading the team in sacks (5.5) and tackles for loss (eight) through six games.

The Panthers reportedly turned down two first-round picks last season for Burns, so the price would be high, but the Raiders should take the chance. Burns, a two-time Pro Bowler, leads the Panthers in sacks (four) and tackles for loss (six) through six games and would provide the pass-rush help they covet. 

To entice the Panthers, the Raiders should add to the deal former Pro Bowl WR Hunter Renfrow (nine targets in six games), an afterthought in Las Vegas' offense. Panthers rookie QB Bryce Young, who has struggled (below-average 33.1 QBR), desperately needs another WR.  

Los Angeles Chargers: Chargers land Chicago Bears CB Jaylon Johnson

The Chargers passing defense is awful, ranking 25th in yards allowed (289 YPG). Acquiring Johnson will bolster their meager secondary. Per Pro Football Focus, the 24-year-old has an 80.9 coverage grade, tied for eighth among CBs.

The Bears will want more draft capital after a dreadful 1-5 start. Yet the Chargers (2-3) can afford to give up a pick because their secondary is a bigger concern. If they don't acquire a player who will help the unit improve, it will continue to cost them games, and they'll fall out of the playoff hunt.