This gave the Broncos no choice but to be aggressive in the trade market. They needed to acquire not just a better quarterback than who they had but a true difference-maker. Russell Wilson is that guy; he is an elite NFL QB and gives them a chance to compete with Mahomes, Herbert, and Carr.
If anything, Wilson has been held back by Seattle’s consistently weak offensive line and run-heavy scheme. Since Russ entered the league in 2012, the Seahawks are 27th in early-down pass rate (49.4%).
The Broncos’ roster is also strong enough to withstand the loss of draft picks they are sending to Seattle. They will still have nine picks in the 2022 Draft. As long as Russ continues to play at a high level and their young core continues to develop, trading these picks to Seattle will not hamstring them.
In light of the circumstances they found themselves in, Denver was smart to make this trade. The price they paid was certainly justifiable to bring in a Super Bowl winning quarterback. Wilson not only won a Super Bowl, but he did it in his second season then won the NFC again in the following season. He should have two rings, and it’s not like those teams were winning in spite of him. Seattle had good teams then, not great ones, and Russ was a huge part of why they went to back-to-back Super Bowls.
Despite having such substantial success early in his career, it is not unreasonable to think that Russ’ best seasons are ahead of him. The team hasn’t performed well, but that isn’t because of Wilson. He has played well and has had to overcome the coaching staff’s conservative philosophy.
For all of these reasons, the Broncos deserve to be commended for making a bold move that they desperately needed to make in order to be competitive
"held back" by Seattle's run-heavy scheme? The author can't be serious. Seattle leaned on that, and other schemes, to HELP fat rus be effective. [Reply]
The Walmart of NFL offenses. And franchises. Pat Bowlen must be rolling over in his grave. How did it get this bad?
Never in a million years did I think it would be possible to feel sorry for the Donks and their fans, but man... What an absolute disaster. With no hope of improvement any time in the not-so-near future either.
The Texans cut their losses with Brock Osweiler after just one season. That's what the Broncos need to do with Wilson. They'll be better off in the long run, but there's probably no way they're willing to take that cap hit. [Reply]
