Broncos Warned Against Potentially Costly Troy Franklin Trade

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Troy Franklin #11 of the Denver Broncos reacts against the Cincinnati Bengals.

The Denver Broncos shook the league with their blockbuster trade with the Miami Dolphins for Jaylen Waddle, but the discussion about what comes next remains polarized, particularly when it comes to fellow wide receiver Troy Franklin.

Franklin is one of three young Broncos receivers who figure to be impacted most by the addition of Waddle, leading to questions about their futures with the club.

However, there is also a strong argument for holding onto the talented speedster.

Broncos Urged to Avoid Troy Franklin Trade

GettyTroy Franklin #11 of the Denver Broncos celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers.

The Broncos selected Franklin with the 102nd overall pick in the 2024 draft, and he struggled when on the field as a rookie.

Franklin’s second season featured far more ups, though, potentially foreshadowing what is to come for the former Oregon Ducks playmaker. He finished the campaign with 65 receptions for 709 yards and 6 touchdowns.

For that reason and several others, keeping Franklin amid potential trade interest could be wise.

“Hey, we get it. It’s tempting to dust off a slightly used Troy Franklin, stick him on eBay, and see what kind of offers come rolling in. With Jayden Waddle bringing sexy back to the Broncos’ wide receiver room, somebody who played a lot in 2025 is likely going to see their 2026 snaps take a dip,” Keeler wrote on March 21. “But before you decide that Franklin is surplus to requirements, that he’s disposable, consider the short-term consequences. Consider the depth chart.

“In a league where storm clouds lurk around just about every corner, Franklin’s the kind of umbrella you want to keep within arm’s reach. Just in case.”

Keeler’s argument for keeping Franklin revolved around five key points. He “makes the Broncos’ WR room more diverse,” can “make other wideouts have to work to get snaps,” and “bolsters the depth.”

Franklin also has “a rapport with Bo Nix,” his college teammate and fellow 2024 draftee.

Lastly, Keeler noted that Franklin is “relatively cheap — and young.” Franklin is in the third season of his four-year, $4.9 million rookie-scale contract.

Broncos Have Good Reason to Avoid WR Room Shakeup

GettyTroy Franklin #11 of the Denver Broncos reacts after scoring a touchdown against the Indianapolis Colts.

The idea that the Broncos could move off Franklin or one of fellow youngsters Marvin Mims and Pat Bryant has surfaced locally and among other fan bases following the trade for Waddle.

However, The Denver Post’s Luca Evans argued against that line of thinking.

“Wouldn’t expect #Broncos to shop Troy Franklin/Marvin Mims even with the Waddle addition. Brass has said publicly they love the group, feels that way privately, too,” Evans posted on X on March 17.

“Depth at WR was clear issue in loss to NE. No real sense slashing that again when there aren’t many other holes.”

Keeler argued that Franklin keeps Lil’Jordan Humphrey off the field.

Humphrey is a favorite of head coach Sean Payton. He is also the Broncos’ most experienced receiver behind Waddle and top target Courtland Sutton. The arguments for keeping the group together stack high in light of possibly breaking it up.

Humphries is a bigger-bodied target and a plus as a run blocker. Much like Franklin, Humphries adds another valuable skill set to the Broncos’ talented collection of pass-catchers.

Josh Buckhalter covers the NBA and NFL for Heavy.com. He has covered both leagues since 2016, including bylines at FanSided, Last Word on Sports and Clocker Sports. He’s based in Villa Park, Illinois. Follow Josh on Twitter and Instagram: @JoshGBuck More about Josh Buckhalter