Denver did not make a Day 1 selection in the 2026 NFL draft and then declined their would-be first pick in Round 2 after engaging in a trade with the Buffalo Bills. The exchange sent Denver’s second-round pick to Buffalo in exchange for a second-round selection that the Bills used to draft cornerback Davison Igbinosun, a move Denver ultimately passed on re-entering with their own pick.
The exchange came after Denver had already traded its first-round pick (No. 30) to the Miami Dolphins for wide receiver Jaylen Waddle, effectively rendering the Broncos spectators on Day 2 until they pursued a trade in the back half of the second round. Along with the draft-day swap, Denver received a 2026 third-round pick (No. 66 overall) and a 2026 sixth-round pick (No. 182 overall) from Buffalo.
Buffalo, acquiring Denver’s 2026 second-rounder (No. 62 overall), selected Davison Igbinosun, a cornerback, with that pick. Denver does not appear to have a cornerback need at the moment, thanks to star corner Pat Surtain II and a depth chart that includes 2025 first-round pick Jahdae Barron.
The deal illustrates Denver’s willingness to leverage multiple picks to address immediate roster needs or future potential, even as it shifted priority away from corners to other positional considerations. This outcome leaves the Bills with a versatile addition at cornerback while Denver focuses on remaining needs with a broader draft strategy.
