The Broncos were little more than tire kickers on the Stafford deal

When news broke on Saturday night that Matthew Stafford had been traded from the Lions to the Rams, Broncos Country was disappointed. They had hoped that Denver could get involved in the sweepstakes for Detroit’s quarterback, solving the problem at the most important position in sports for the first time Peyton Manning retired.

While getting Stafford would’ve been nice, Broncos fans were at least somewhat assuaged by the fact that the team was in on the conversations. They were encouraged that new general manager George Paton was aggressive and tried to make a deal.

As time passes, however, that seems less and less true. In reality, Denver simply kicked the tires on the quarterback.

Did Paton inquire about Stafford? Yes.

Did he make a competitive offer? It doesn’t appear so.

In today’s “Monday Morning Quarterback” column on SI.com, Albert Breer outlines who all was involved in the race for Stafford. The Broncos were mentioned, but were clearly not a serious contender.

“The Broncos discussed a pick swap with the Lions that would have equated to a late first-round pick, but it wound up becoming clear to Denver that they weren’t playing in the neighborhood where this was going.”

What does that mean? Well, according to reports, the Broncos offered the No. 9 overall pick and quarterback Drew Lock to the Lions. But based on the “MMQB” story, it sounds like Denver wanted Detroit’s second-round pick (No. 39) overall, back in the deal. Doing the math, that netted out to the equivalent of a late first-round selection.

Given that the Rams wound up giving up two first-round picks, a third-round pick and Jared Goff, a former No. 1 overall pick, the Broncos offer didn’t come close to being competitive. It wasn’t even in the ballpark.

Related

Bo Nix happy with ‘solid’ first TD drive, says return ‘was like riding a bike’Sean Payton unhappy after Packers demolish Broncos, sends message to startersBroncos waste no time getting Jaylen Waddle involved in his preseason debutBo Nix throws a TD, leads two scoring drives in return from broken ankleBroncos CB Moss leaves game with rib injuryNuggets sign six-time All-Star DeMar DeRozan