Denver Broncos Set to Cut Russell Wilson, Quarterback Trade Rumors Swirl
In a shocking turn of events, the Denver Broncos are reportedly planning to make Russell Wilson a post-June 1 cut, according to Troy Renck of Denver7. This decision will result in the team spreading Wilson’s massive $85 million dead cap hit across two seasons. As a result, the Broncos will be left with a glaring void at the quarterback position. Although they currently have Jarrett Stidham and Ben DiNucci under contract, speculation is mounting regarding how the team will address this issue during the offseason.
Pro Football Focus analyst Trevor Sikkema believes that a trade for a quarterback could be on the horizon. Sikkema suggests that the market for quarterbacks in this year’s draft will be extremely competitive, especially after free agency. He specifically mentions the Falcons, Raiders, Broncos, and Vikings as teams that are likely to make moves to secure a quarterback. Sikkema even proposes an aggressive trade scenario involving Broncos head coach Sean Payton. In this hypothetical trade, Payton moves the Broncos from the 12th overall pick to the 2nd overall pick by offering a compensation package similar to what the 49ers offered for Trey Lance in 2021.
Sikkema’s proposed trade scenario involves the Broncos trading with the Washington Commanders for the right to draft North Carolina’s Drake Maye. The Broncos would receive the 2nd overall pick in the 2024 draft, while the Commanders would acquire the 12th overall pick in the same draft, as well as first-round picks in 2025 and second-round picks in 2025 and 2026. This trade would undoubtedly come at a high cost for the Broncos, who are already lacking in draft capital after last year’s trade for Payton. However, it’s worth noting that this hypothetical deal does not include cornerback Patrick Surtain II or any other key players that have been previously rumored to be involved in trade talks.
Drake Maye, a standout quarterback from North Carolina, has been widely regarded as the second-best quarterback in this year’s draft class. While some evaluators have even placed him ahead of USC’s Caleb Williams, others believe LSU’s Jayden Daniels is the better prospect. Standing at 6-foot-5, Maye completed 63.3% of his passes for 3,608 yards, 24 touchdowns, and nine interceptions. Although these numbers represent a slight decline from his impressive 2022 season, where he completed 66.2% of his passes for 4,321 yards, 38 touchdowns, and seven interceptions, Maye is still highly regarded.
If the Broncos were to trade up and select Maye in this hypothetical scenario, he is projected to sign a four-year, $36.8 million contract as the 2nd overall pick, according to Spotrac. This significant financial commitment could pose a challenge for the Broncos, who are currently dealing with salary cap constraints. While the idea of the Broncos trading up for a quarterback aligns with their current situation, it remains to be seen if Maye is the target. This uncertainty arises from comments made by Payton prior to the Super Bowl, where he hinted at his ongoing search for the right quarterback to lead the team.
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Head Coach Sean Payton Drops Bombshell Revelation About Upcoming Draft Meetings
In a shocking interview on “Up & Adams,” Head Coach Sean Payton of the Denver Broncos made some surprising statements about the team’s draft plans. Payton revealed that the Broncos are considering trading up or trading down in the upcoming NFL draft. This news has sent shockwaves through the football world.
Payton, known for his strategic thinking and bold moves, explained that the team is keeping their options open until they have a chance to evaluate the rookie quarterbacks. “We start draft meetings Monday,” Payton revealed. “So everything you’ve heard and read about us – we’re going to trade up, trade down – I can’t tell you the jersey numbers of these rookie quarterbacks. We haven’t even seen them yet.”
These revelations have left fans and experts alike wondering what the future holds for the Broncos. Will they make a bold move to secure a top-tier quarterback? Or will they stick with their current roster and focus on other positions?
However, some skeptics have questioned the veracity of Payton’s statements. In the past, Payton has praised certain players only to make surprising trades or cuts. This raises doubts about whether the rumored trade scenario will actually come to fruition.
Furthermore, there are other factors to consider. Would Payton and General Manager George Paton be willing to make such an expensive trade for a quarterback they may not even be impressed with? And what about the Washington team? Would they pass on their potential quarterback of the future?
As the draft meetings approach, all eyes will be on the Broncos and their decision-making process. Will they make a move that could change the course of their franchise? Only time will tell.
By Josh Buckhalter, Sports Reporter for [Publication Name]
According to the Source heavy.com