Eddie Royal

With the NFL trade deadline looming, the Broncos have been in talks with other teams regarding Pro Bowl receiver Brandon Lloyd, according to three NFL sources.

The Broncos are believed to be seeking anywhere from a third- to fifth- round draft pick in return. There have been "three or four" teams who have expressed interest in Lloyd, according to a source, with Carolina and Tennessee among them.

Multiple factors have pushed Lloyd to the trading block, according to the sources.

One, he is a free agent after this season, and although the Broncos and Lloyd have briefly discussed a contract extension, nothing is close to materializing.

Two, the Broncos' receiving corps is about to get crowded after this weekend's bye with the return of Demaryius Thomas and Eddie Royal. Lloyd, 30, has been starting at receiver alongside Eric Decker, a third-round pick in the 2010 draft.

Additionally, the Broncos are expected to shift to a more ball-control, run-oriented offense with Tim Tebow taking over at quarterback following the demotion of Kyle Orton.

Due to the complex nature of the typical football playbook, the NFL trade deadline is not as active as the NBA or MLB deadlines, so it would be somewhat surprising to see Lloyd moved. His departure would open the door for Decker, Thomas and Royal, but the Broncos should hold onto Lloyd, who can adjust to imperfect passes now that Tim Tebow is under center. The ideal fit for Lloyd would be a team like the Titans, Bills or Rams since they have established QBs and have suffered injuries at WR.