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

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.

Another blockbuster coming? Despite an offer from the #Chiefs that would make superstar Tyreek Hill one of the highest-paid receivers, extension talks have stalled and Kansas City has now given Hill’s agent permission to seek a trade, sources tell me and @TomPelissero.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 23, 2022

Jets and Dolphins are the two teams now vying for Tyreek Hill, who is expected to receive a massive contract extension from the team that trades for him, per sources. https://t.co/3R1OzqUEfV

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 23, 2022

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:

Chiefs are trading six-time Pro-Bowl WR Tyreek Hill to the Miami Dolphins for five draft picks: a 2022 1st-round pick (No. 29), a 2nd-round pick (No. 50) and a 4th-round pick, as well as 4th- and 6th-round picks in the 2023 draft, sources tell ESPN.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 23, 2022

Dolphins are giving their new WR Tyreek Hill a 4-year, $120 million extension, including $72.2 million guaranteed, per ⁦@DrewJRosenhaus⁩. pic.twitter.com/rkSWmAOOMt

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 23, 2022

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.

***

Related

Broncos have near consensus top offensive line in NFLThere are signs that the Broncos could have an effective running gameSean Payton reveals plan for Bo Nix in first game back since fractured ankleSean Payton reflects on Broncos ‘tussle’ and is using it as a teaching momentThe Broncos’ path to the Super Bowl runs through a more balanced offensePreviewing Bo Nix’s long-awaited return to the field against the Packers