The Denver Broncos knew when they completed a blockbuster trade with the Seattle Seahawks for Russell Wilson it would have an impact on the franchise for years to come. They were hopeful that it would be a positive one and that Wilson would become the franchise quarterback they have been seeking since Peyton Manning retired.
Of course, that has not been the case. Wilson’s first season in Denver was a disaster with Nathaniel Hackett as head coach. Year 2 was better under Sean Payton, but he and his brain trust decided that Wilson was not the guy they wanted for the job.
The Broncos opted to bench Wilson near the end of the regular season and are now on the hunt for a franchise quarterback. Finding that player is easier said than done, and Denver is in a tough spot monetarily to find one.
NFL News & Rumors: Patrick Surtain II & Denver Broncos Updates
Already projected to be over the salary cap, the Broncos are going to have some astronomical dead cap numbers once Wilson is released. With so many holes on the roster, that trade and subsequent extension for Wilson is going to cost the franchise dearly.
It could lead to them making some difficult, but necessary, moves. One of those moves could be trading away star cornerback Patrick Surtain II. Surtain has proven to be one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL, a true shutdown player.
But, given how many needs are on the roster, can the Broncos afford to pay what it will cost to retain him long-term? Restocking their draft capital and cleaning up the salary cap is part of the reason one Broncos writer believes the team should consider moving Surtain this offseason.
“I’m not a fan of trading away the most talented young player on the roster, but if you want serious draft capital, this is the guy to trade away. Surtain should bring at least a 1st round pick if not multiple picks and that could go a long way in helping to build this roster,” sadaraine wrote in their January 24 article before adding:
“Given the need for this team to find a new quarterback, that kind of option may be the necessary move to get [Sean] Payton his guy and start a new chapter in the Denver Broncos book.” (H/T Heavy)
NFL News & Rumors: Patrick Surtain II & Denver Broncos Updates
Acquiring as much draft capital as possible should be one of the goals for the Broncos this offseason. They surrendered a ton to acquire Wilson and Payton and need to restock the cupboard as soon as possible.
Denver would be able to acquire some premium assets in a deal centered around Surtain. He just wrapped up his third season in the NFL and already has two Pro Bowls and one All-Pro First-Team nomination on his resume.
The trade package the Jacksonville Jaguars received from the Los Angeles Rams for Jalen Ramsey could be used as a baseline for the Broncos. Jacksonville received three picks, two of which were first-rounders, from Los Angeles.
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