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The Denver Broncos need an upgrade at guard following the injury to Ben Powers.

Denver Broncos predicted to be buyers, add 7-time Pro-Bowl guard before trade deadline originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Denver Broncos are a contending team in the middle of October and with this year's trade deadline less than three weeks away, contending teams are often considered to be "buyers" ahead of that deadline.

The "buyers" often target the league's worst teams, or "sellers", at least in terms of predicted trades around the league. The 1-5 Cleveland Browns would fit into that sellers category, and they have a piece that could fill a big weakness for the Broncos.

Vinnie Iyer of The Sporting News sees the Broncos making a deal for Browns guard Joel Bitonio. One of the best guards in the league, Bitonio, now in his 12th season, has been selected to the Pro Bowl seven times. He has been chosen as a First-team All-Pro twice and a Second-team All-Pro three other times. He has 161 starts across his career.

If you're in the market for a guard, you're not going to find a better resume than that.

"The Browns' long-time star left guard is also unsigned beyond this season. They need some guard help with Ben Powers out with a biceps injury. Bitonio would be a welcome plug and play to make Denver stronger up front for both Bo Nix and the power running game", wrote Iyer.

Kevin Patra of NFL.com recently discussed the Broncos' biggest need being at guard, where Ben Powers was lost for a good chunk of the rest of this season with a biceps injury.

For what it's worth, Bitonio seems happy where he's at.

I really do feel for Joel Bitonio- two 1st team All-Pros & 7 pro bowls but only two winning seasons

Wasn’t even there for the playoff win as he was out with covid

Yet after back to back losing seasons he’s happy to be apart of the Cleveland #Browns 🥲
pic.twitter.com/7zSxLna9uE
— Mac🦬 (@tha_buffalo) October 16, 2025

The Broncos played their first game without Powers last week in London against the New York Jets, and his absence seemed to impact the entire offense, which was sluggish and sloppy. Matt Peart got the start in his place and was called for three crucial penalties, and now has an injury of his own, which has landed him on injured reserve.

Alex Palczewski will get the start at guard this Sunday against the New York Giants and the Broncos moved veteran Calvin Throckmorton up from the practice squad to have another option. But if there is still struggles, the team may need to consider a move for a guy like Bitonio.

READ:Broncos' failed 2024 draft pick looking for new team

Bitonio is in the final year of his contract, so the Broncos would have to consider if they just wanted to have him as a rental this season or sign him to a new deal, which would of course impact Powers' future as well. Prior to the biceps injury, Powers had started in 41 straight games for the team and he still has one more year left on his deal.

Denver Broncos predicted to be buyers, add 7-time Pro-Bowl guard before trade deadline

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