JOHN CLAYTON
Clayton: The Broncos finally solve their QB issue with one bold move
Mar 8, 2022, 4:03 PM

(Photo by Mike Coppola/VF18/Getty Images for VF)
(Photo by Mike Coppola/VF18/Getty Images for VF)
At first, the quarterback market looked bad for the Broncos. What a difference two hours made, however.
Aaron Rodgers decided the stay with Green Bay. He received a four-year, $200-million contract from the Packers. He was satisfied with sticking around when the team put the franchise tag on wide receiver Davante Adams.
That was a blow to the Broncos. They need a quarterback to compete against the great young quarterbacks in the AFC and Rodgers was believed to be their best shot at closing the gap quickly.
General manager George Paton wasted no time pivoting, however. He pulled off a trade for Russell Wilson.
The oddsmakers loved it. Denver’s chance to win the Super Bowl jumped to No. 5 in the NFL. With the great receiving trio the Broncos have, Wilson should thrive. The Broncos offense, which has struggled mightily for six years, should be one of the better ones in the league.
Sure, it was costly. They gave up No. 1 picks this year and next, No. 2 picks this year and next and a No. 5. They get Wilson and a No. 4.
As far as players, the Broncos traded tight end Shelby Harris, defensive end Shelby Harris and quarterback Drew Lock. Still, the reviews of this trade are great.
Wilson is a hard worker. He only thinks about doing everything to win a Super Bowl. Of course, he already won one against Peyton Manning the Broncos. He has the best deep arm in football. He’s very likely to go to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Paton did incredible work. Pittsburgh and other teams will still be scrambling for quarterbacks, as will the Seahawks.
For the Broncos, though, they did great. Their QB issues are solved.
***