Head coach Sean Payton of the Denver Broncos is causing quite a stir as the team faces a quarterback conundrum. Rumors have been swirling that Payton is on the hunt for his new quarterback in the 2024 NFL Draft. The Broncos are reportedly interested in top passers Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, or Jayden Daniels. However, making a move to secure their future quarterback would come at a steep price and is unlikely to happen. Despite having Russell Wilson under contract, Payton’s decision to bench him for the final two games suggests that a change is imminent.
With the top passers likely to be off the board by the time the Broncos pick at No. 12 overall, they may need to get aggressive to land their desired player. Teams at the top of the draft would require a significant return to part with their coveted draft slots. The Broncos would likely have to include cornerback Patrick Surtain in a blockbuster deal, although the franchise is reluctant to trade him. The question remains: which passer will the Broncos target?
One argument can be made for trading up to acquire any of the top three quarterbacks: Williams, Maye, or Daniels. However, it is no secret that Payton holds Williams in high regard. He has referred to him as a generational player and believes that he could be the reason why a lottery system is implemented in the NFL. Despite finishing the 2023 season with a record of 8-9, the Broncos failed to maintain momentum in their last six games. Williams remains the top quarterback prospect in this class.
In conclusion, the Denver Broncos, led by head coach Sean Payton, are prepared to make an aggressive trade to address their quarterback situation. Payton’s interest in top passers Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, or Jayden Daniels has been the subject of rumors. While a trade may come at a high cost, it seems likely that the Broncos will need to make a move to secure their future quarterback. The top passers are expected to be off the board by the time the Broncos pick at No. 12 overall, so an aggressive approach may be necessary. Payton’s admiration for Caleb Williams suggests that he could be the Broncos’ target. Despite a disappointing finish to the 2023 season, Williams remains the top quarterback prospect in this class.
Broncos’ Ideal Trade Scenario for Star Cornerback Pat Surtain II
In a potential blockbuster trade, the Denver Broncos are reluctant to part ways with star cornerback Pat Surtain II. However, their interest in New Orleans Saints’ running back Latavius Murray could make him the perfect target for a trade. Looking at last year’s trade between the Chicago Bears and Carolina Panthers, we can establish a baseline for the potential deal.
The Panthers traded their No. 1 overall pick to the Bears in exchange for the No. 9 overall pick in the 2023 draft, along with the Panthers’ 2024 first-round pick (No. 1 overall this year), and wide receiver D.J. Moore. Additionally, the Panthers also gave up two second-round picks, one in 2023 and another in 2025.
Building on this trade, the Broncos could offer Surtain and a pair of first-round picks to secure this year’s No. 1 overall pick. The proposed trade would benefit both teams:
Broncos receive:
– 2024 first-round pick (No. 1 overall)
Bears receive:
– Patrick Surtain II
– 2024 first-round pick (No. 12 overall)
– 2024 third-round pick
– 2025 first-round pick
– 2025 second-round pick
It’s worth noting that the Broncos do not possess their second-round pick this year due to their acquisition of Latavius Murray from the Saints. However, they can compensate with a third-round pick since Surtain is three years younger than D.J. Moore.
One factor to consider is Surtain’s contract, which will expire after the 2024 season. The Bears may want to negotiate a new contract before finalizing the trade, especially with Jaylon Johnson’s impending free agency. Alternatively, the Bears might find value in one of the Broncos’ wide receivers rather than Surtain, which would require adjustments to the draft compensation.
Ultimately, the Bears’ decision will depend on their evaluation of Latavius Murray, as it aligns with Saints head coach Sean Payton’s perspective. However, this hypothetical scenario mirrors the compensation the Bears received for the No. 1 overall pick last year, with an additional boost due to the higher grade of this year’s top prospect.
In conclusion, the Denver Broncos are exploring a potential trade scenario to acquire the No. 1 overall pick this year, involving star cornerback Pat Surtain II. The trade package includes Surtain and a pair of first-round picks, aiming to secure the top prospect. Whether the Chicago Bears will be swayed by this offer remains to be seen, as their evaluation of Latavius Murray will play a significant role in their decision-making process.
