The Denver Broncos weren't able to strike a deal with the Green Bay Packers for Aaron Rodgers, so they pivoted and acquired a different elite quarterback instead. According to reports, the Broncos have agreed to send a multi-draft pick and multi-player trade package to the Seattle Seahawks in exchange for star signal-caller Russell Wilson. The blockbuster trade is pending a physical and Wilson waiving his no-trade clause. It can't become official until Mar. 16.
If approved by Wilson, this deal will go down as one of the biggest in league history. The Broncos' package reportedly includes two first-round picks, two second-rounders, a fifth-rounder, and players Drew Lock, Shelby Harris, and Noah Fant. A remarkably steep price, but the addition of Wilson puts Denver in a prime position to snap its six-year playoff drought and contend for a title. And former Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow is excited about what's to come.
"Russell is a really nice, good guy. He really is. I've had the chance to get to know him for quite a few years," Tebow told the Maggie and Perloff show on Tuesday. "I think Broncos fans are some of the best in the world -- I honestly believe that. Just from their passion, their loyalty, and their dedication. And I think they'll love Russell... Knowing you have to go up against that firepower with other [AFC West] teams, it's going to force them to add more weapons."
Wilson's time as quarterback of the Seahawks lasted 10 seasons, and during his tenure, the team made the playoffs eight times, reached two conference title games, and won a Super Bowl. His final campaign in Seattle was far from memorable, however. The 33-year-old played in a career-low 14 games, due to a finger injury suffered in early October, and he struggled to develop a rhythm during the second-half slate. But Wilson ended 2021 on a high note, amassing 3,113 yards with 25 touchdowns and just six interceptions.
Although it's unclear whether the Broncos will negotiate a new contract with Wilson, his current cap hit for the 2022 season will be $24 million, according to Spotrac. In 2023 -- his last year under contract, based on current terms -- the cap hit is $27 million. Denver was in dire need of a franchise leader under center. Last year, its 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 points per game since 2014.
The entire football conversation between Tebow and Maggie and Perloff can be accessed in the audio player above.
You can follow the Maggie and Perloff Show on Twitter @MaggieandPerl and Tom Hanslin @TomHanslin.