BRONCOS

Outlook for Broncos gets even better as Chiefs trade a huge star

Mar 23, 2022, 9:54 AM | Updated: 1:49 pm

NOTE: This article has been updated below

The Denver Broncos already had a great chance to win the AFC West in 2022.

That’s what happens when you trade for a future Hall of Fame QB in Russell Wilson.

But the Kansas City Chiefs were always going to stand in their way. And they still might, but are also about to lose one of the scariest parts of their offense in Tyreek Hill. Ian Rapoport and Adam Schefter broke the news on Wednesday morning.

This offseason has been crazy, but this is one the most wild developments yet. First of all, getting Hill out of the AFC West would be massive for the Broncos. Hill, Travis Kelce and Patrick Mahomes have torched Denver the last several seasons. In his career against the Broncos, Hill has 492 yards receiving, five receiving touchdowns, 131 yards rushing and two rushing touchdowns. And oh by the way, the Chiefs have beaten Denver in 13 straight games.

The AFC West has obviously gotten a lot better in 2022 with the Chargers adding guys like Khalil Mack and J.C. Jackson and the Raiders trading for Davante Adams. But the Broncos have also added with Wilson, Randy Gregory and D.J. Jones joining the fold. It’s the Chiefs who are subtracting, potentially losing Hill and star safety Tyrann Mathieu.

So it begs the question, who will win the AFC West in 2022? It’s hard to predict in March, but for the first time in years, the division feels wide open.

(Update: 11:07 a.m.) – 

The Chiefs have traded Hill to the Miami Dolphins for a massive package of draft picks. Schefter has the scoop on the deal and an extension for Hill:

Everything I said above remains true. This a huge win for the Broncos and a massive loss for the Chiefs. There’s no other way to slice it, Kansas City got way worse on Wednesday and the rest of the AFC West closed the gap (maybe even all on the way) on the Chiefs.

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