Paton got front row seat to how a HOF QB can impact a club

For the past week, many in Broncos Country have been glued to their phones, hitting refresh for updates about the possibility of the Green Bay Packers’ Aaron Rodgers becoming the new quarterback of the Denver Broncos.

The chance for the Broncos to return to elite status has Colorado salivating.

Many Broncos fans are reminded of the immediate success that came to Denver when the team signed Peyton Manning almost 10 years ago. The four years with Manning were an enormous success that culminated with a win in Super Bowl 50.

Broncos general manager George Paton wasn’t in Denver for the Manning years, but the potential arrival of Rodgers should remind him of the most successful season he witnessed during his time with the Minnesota Vikings.

Brett Favre retired from the Packers after the 2007 season. As the 2008 season approached, Favre decided he wanted to play again. The problem was the Packers didn’t want Favre because they wanted to move forward with, coincidentally, Rodgers.

The Packers traded Favre to the New York Jets, where he would have a mediocre season as he played through injuries.

Being the attention starved diva he is, Favre would again retire after one season with the Jets, only to decide he wanted to play again. Prior to the 2009 season, Favre signed with Green Bay’s archrival, Minnesota.

Favre was outstanding in his first season with the Vikings, throwing 33 touchdowns and a career-low seven interceptions. The Vikings finished 12-4 and played in the NFC Championship against the New Orleans Saints.

In the NFC Championship, Favre was battered by the Saints defense and in overtime would not only throw an ill-advised interception but also allow a 12 men in the huddle penalty. These two mistakes cost the Vikings the game.

Despite the inexplicable blunders, Favre and the Vikings almost made the Super Bowl.

Following the 2009 season, Favre would do his whole retirement thing to get attention but would ultimately return for 2010. Age would catch up to him, and Favre would officially retire (and stay retired) after that season.

Even though 2010 wasn’t great, the success of 2009 made the move to bring Favre worth it.

Paton was with the Vikings during Favre’s huge 2009 season as director of player personnel. He saw the impact a Hall of Fame quarterback can have on a team’s success.

During Paton’s years in Minnesota, the 2009 team with the red-hot Favre was by far the best.

Prior to Favre’s arrival, the 2008 Vikings were a 10-6 playoff team, but they were no real threat to contend for a Super Bowl. By adding Favre in 2009, the Vikings were one of few legitimate Super Bowl contenders.

As the potential for Rodgers stares Paton in the face, he has to be reminded of the magic that was the 2009 Minnesota Vikings.

From what we have heard about Paton he is a big believer in the draft. However, he knows the impact of a franchise quarterback, even if that franchise quarterback comes from the outside.

There’s a difference between a really good quarterback, like Kirk Cousins, and a Hall of Famer like Favre. One season with Favre had the Vikings reaching heights that had become rare for the franchise. With Cousins, the Vikings have been above average but not special.

Like Favre with the Vikings, Rodgers in Denver makes the Broncos instant contenders.

There are some differences. Favre simply signed as a free agent with the Vikings, but the Broncos would have to trade for Rodgers. The risk-reward for these situations isn’t even. With that said, Rodgers is a better quarterback now than Favre was in 2009.

The Packers didn’t want Favre, and he was out to prove them wrong. Whether Favre was right or wrong, it propelled him to one of his best seasons in long career. Rodgers, if traded, will also play with a chip on his shoulder. As we saw with Favre, that motivation can be a powerful thing.

For Broncos fans, Manning was a return to glory. But Favre’s run in Minnesota was the closest Paton has been to a Super Bowl.

If (and that’s a big if) Rodgers becomes available, there’s no price too high to pay for the disgruntled quarterback. Paton had a front row seat to what happens when a franchise seizes the opportunity to bring in a Hall of Fame quarterback, and he should be all in on Rodgers, if he is indeed available.