The Broncos’ quest to sign a quarterback for the franchise
Russell Wilson’s benching by Sean Payton made it abundantly evident that he is looking for a different quarterback to lead the Denver Broncos in the future. “How is he going to find one?” is still the key question.
In the 2024 NFL Draft, the Broncos are currently scheduled to select 12th overall. Additionally, their salary exceeds the salary cap by $20 million. Therefore, it seems highly unlikely that a quarterback with a high cap hit or a free agent would be acquired through trade. Overall, the draft is unquestionably the best option for a number of reasons.
However, at pick number twelve, what kind of prospect can the Broncos hope to find? Selecting Jayden Daniels, Caleb Williams, or Drake Maye—the trio of prospects thought to be the best quarterbacks available and certain Top 5 locks—at that point would be far too late. Still, some fans want the Broncos to play with maximum aggression. Their preferred course of action is a daring move up to take one of the top three spots. However, how feasible would that project be?
Quarterbacks are needed by the Chicago Bears, Washington Commanders, and New England Patriots. Unless, of course, you think the Bears will decide to hold onto Justin Field and maybe deal the #1 pick to the highest bidder. In addition, a number of teams are selecting behind those spots that could very well select a quarterback. In addition, the Broncos have less draft capital than teams in front of them.
In comparison to almost every other team, the team is operating at a three-year deficit of first and second-round draft selections following the Wilson and Payton trades. I don’t think the Broncos are in a position to be giving up premium picks worth several more drafts, given the roster’s numerous holes already. However, maybe the Broncos’ management is ready to make the move for a quarterback who can transform the franchise.
Patrick Surtain II is the team’s proverbial wild card. Though he is without a doubt the Broncos’ best player, some fans have talked about trading him to propel the team into the top three of this year’s draft. I understand the concept, but I’m not sure how eager Dove Valley officials are to move him. Furthermore, I don’t think trading one of the top defensive players in the league is a good way to address the quarterback situation facing the Broncos.
My first suspicion is that the Broncos will wait and see how things play out at the position. The Broncos should have access to a number of prospects when they select, including Michael Penix Jr., Bo Nix, and J.J. McCarthy, who just declared today. While each of them has shortcomings, Payton, George Paton, and the Broncos scouting staff will all find a number of things to like about them.
Perhaps, just possibly, they will have strong feelings for one of those three and choose to proceed with the twelfth option. If not, they might even attempt to trade down, obtain additional picks, and increase their arsenal of draft choices while still having a decent chance of obtaining one of them. The least desirable choice would be to completely pass on a first-round quarterback selection and instead take a chance on a Day 2 prospect to compete with a seasoned player.
What will it be then, Broncos Country? In the 2024 NFL Draft, should the Broncos be patient or aggressive in their search for a franchise signal caller? It will be interesting to watch how everything unfolds in the upcoming months, even though we have no idea what will happen.
