The Denver Broncos' playoff drought was extended to six seasons during the 2021 campaign, as subpar quarterback play produced an underwhelming 7-10 record and last place finish in the competitive AFC West. But the organization has placed itself in a prime position to snap the skid in 2022, considering that an elite veteran will be under center.
In a surprising blockbuster move, the Broncos acquired Russell Wilson from the Seattle Seahawks on Tuesday, in exchange for a mammoth package that includes draft picks and players. Although the deal can't be made official until next week, Denver is giving up two first-rounders, two second-rounders, one fifth-rounder, and players Drew Lock, Shelby Harris, and Noah Fant.
"It's borderline euphoria [in Denver], and it's very similar to when they signed Peyton Manning, 10 years ago almost to the day," Broncos insider Troy Renck told After Hours with Amy Lawrence on Thursday. "If you talk about the three biggest moments in franchise history, off the field, it'd be the acquisition of John Elway, the signing of Manning, and now the trade for Wilson. Fans are wearing gear again. You see flags posted outside their homes, on their cars.
"It's just been a rugged five years -- five straight losing seasons for the first time since 1963-72. Six straight seasons without the playoffs. The only other teams that's done that in the NFL right now are the Jets. So, it was like the emerging from the dark age into the sun again, when the trade went down. For so many Broncos fans, if not euphoria, just absolute joy over this move."
Wilson spent 10 seasons with the Seahawks, and during his tenure, the team made the NFC playoffs eight times, reached two conference championships, and won a Super Bowl. Despite the success, his last campaign in Seattle was a disappointment. Wilson played a career-low 14 games, due to a finger injury suffered in early October, and struggled to find a rhythm upon returning. But he managed to finish 2021 with 3,113 yards, 25 touchdowns, and six picks.
The Broncos were in desperate need of a franchise quarterback. Last season, their offense ranked 23rd in the NFL in average points, 19th in average yards, and 19th in average passing yards. They also haven't averaged more than 23 points per game since the 2014 season. It's safe to assume that Denver will soon offer Wilson a contract extension, but for now, the 33-year-old comes with a total cap hit of $24 million in 2022 and $27 million in 2023.
The entire conversation between Renck and Lawrence can be accessed in the audio player above.
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