We wrote a bit earlier today on the Broncos being among multiple AFC teams who “have trade compensation lined up with the Packers,” in relation to quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Well, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Denver has emerged as a prime location for many of the league’s veteran quarterbacks looking for a potential change of scenery.
The Broncos recently hired former Packers’ offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett to replace Vic Fangio, who failed to accomplish a winning season in three years with the Broncos. The former Green Bay staffer represents an obvious and strong connection for Rodgers. Should Rodgers decide to move on from the Packers, having a play-caller that he’s familiar with could add some allure to the Mile High City. Another intriguing aspect that could bring a star quarterback to Denver is the addition of former Vikings’ offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak as passing game coordinator/quarterbacks coach. Kubiak just helped Kirk Cousins turn in one of his best seasons in Minnesota.
Hackett and company inherit an impressive roster posed to perform. The defense is comprised of veterans like outside linebacker Bradley Chubb, safety Justin Simmons, defensive end Shelby Harris, and cornerback Ronald Darby. There are a number of free agents that Denver would like to bring back like cornerbacks Bryce Callahan & Kyle Fuller, defensive back Kareem Jackson, inside linebacker Josey Jewell, and outside linebacker Malik Reed. Even if they fail to bring some of those names back, the Broncos saw impressive seasons last year for youngsters like cornerback Patrick Surtain II, linebacker Baron Browning, defensive end Dre’Mont Jones, and safety Caden Sterns. The list of defensive players above may not overwhelm you with stardom, but, together, the Broncos defense ranked third in the league in points allowed and eighth in the league in yards allowed.
In addition to a brand new offense and stacked defense, Denver boasts a nice array of young offensive weapons. An impressive receiving corps is led by veteran 26-year-old Courtland Sutton, young star Jerry Jeudy, and Tim Patrick, who has broken out a bit over the past two seasons. The Broncos also have two talented, young receiving tight ends in Noah Fant and Albert Okwuegbunam. Any quarterback looking to join in on the fun would potentially have the benefit of a two-headed rushing attack that was 79 yards short of a combined 2,000-yard rushing season. Running back Javonte Williams enjoyed a healthy dose of carries in his rookie season, and there is mutual interest in bringing back Melvin Gordon.
Rodgers is obviously a name to keep an eye on as the decision on his future in Green Bay looms on the horizon. He has said that he will let the Packers know of his intentions before the franchise tag deadline so they can figure out how to deal with free agent wide receiver Davante Adams. In addition to Rodgers, though, keep an eye out for Denver to make moves on other quarterbacks searching for greener pastures. Russell Wilson has long been rumored to be interested in moving on from Seattle, and Deshaun Watson is still searching for a new home.
Whether Rodgers, Wilson, Watson, or some other under-the-radar name, look for the Broncos to make a move for a star quarterback. If they are able to find the right fit, the move could bring them into contention for what could easily turn into the toughest division in football.
Was this written by someone in Denver’s front office? It sure seems like it.
Going to a division where you are probably
still the third best team with a Rodgers doesn’t seem ideal?
They would instantly be the 2nd and arguably the top team in the division with Rodgers. Raiders and Chargers are gonna do what they always do. Suck.
Especially since if Rodgers leaves, Adams goes with him. They will go as a package; BANK THAT!!
I don’t see them being better than any of KC, LA, or LV next year unless they acquire Rodgers, Wilson, or Watson.
I actually saw this report yesterday written by the Green Bay Post.
So all these veteran QBs want to go play for a first time HC and OC.
Makes sense
Do you comprehend where Hackett coached last year? Pretty sure at least one of those veterans would play for him.
Do you comprehend my post? Where he coached last year has nothing to do with his abilities as a HC. None.
Ummm, speaking of comprehension, at least one of those veterans might be in a better position than you to assess NH’s potential as a head coach.
Great OCs dont always make great head coaches.
See Norv Turner
See just about any coordinator that coached under Belichick.
I don’t understand why any coach or player would want to go to Denver right now. They’re about to have a new owner, who could blow the whole thing up.
So you get to spend and not worry about the future. In the eyes of the other owners, a Super Bowl winning franchise is worth more money. Then every team increases in value.
That won’t happen. I see Byron Allen being the 1st Black majority owner of a NFL team with 10% each owned by Manning and Elway, which ensures there will be no blowup. THEN, Rodgers gives a discount to the Broncos, which isn’t really a discount because when he is done his career in Denver, he will buy 5%- 10% of the team but at todays price. The team will be worth 20% more by then, so the $15million/ year over 5 years he gives up now will be compensated for when he buys his shares in the Broncos for $75 million less. Also, Rodgers brings Devante Adams with him and Denver trades away 2 firsts and maybe a couple other picks, gets a couple later picks in next two years, and also gives away Sutton (or Jeudy or Partick, but I think Sutton). With no Rodgers, there is no need to have Devante because the Packers will need to do a quick rebuild which can be accomplished with what Denver can offer in picks. Denver ends up with Rodgers, Adams, a few runs at Super Bowls, they have the first black majority owner, and 3 HOF SB winning QB’s as owners that will set a trend for more players with huge money contracts being team owners after their career… the way to should be. There is my All World NFL View Prediction of the Denver Broncos and future of ownership in the NFL. Argue away! I will respond to anything that isn’t just ridiculous or rude!
If Rodgers goes to Denver, they will immediately be on par with Kansas City, and Buffalo to win the Super Bowl.
dougdeb. ha Denver with any of those QBs is not even close to KC or Buffalo. You must be smoking that mile high weed
Whew! Real original come back here with the weed comment. Is it 2012? Come on, be better.
No, its 2022 and Denver is still an armpit. Only now it has cartel crawling all over the place, snatching up surrounding farmable land.
How did I do? Better than doug?
I’m pretty high on Denver’s roster, but we should note that it was Vic Fangio who was responsible for that defensive rating. Most of the listed players were hurt for significant portions of the season last year (Chubb, Jewell, Callahan, Jeudy, Browning, etc). Without Fangio, it remains to be seen whether or not the Broncos will maintain their defensive prowess going forward.
Without Fangio that defense will soon resemble the disaster in Seattle.
Look happened in Chicago. The drop off in the defense after Fangio left was huge.
Much easier to win the Super Bowl if you play in the NFC.
Bruh Russell has never said that he’s interested in moving on from Seattle
The.vwrwran QB I expect.Denvwr to acquire in trade wasn’t mentioned. Jimmy Garropollo for the 64th pick Broncos have from Rams and a conditional.3rd rounder in 23 draft… Conditional on number of snaps.. Broncos pick a pass rusher in first round.. Book IT!!!
I dont follow the Broncos so I know nothing about their O line. After reading the article, I still don’t. Sorry, Mr Allen, but of all the players you mentioned, no O linemen. And those guys are more important to Rodgers than anyone, imo. He surely worries about that more than the players coming back on D. So Bronco fans, complete the article for me please.
Can you imagine? Getting a 50 million a year offer and still complain? Next he will again cry that he doesn’t have his old supporting cast? Too bad you can’t just hand out money as he wants. GB can’t pay everyone when you pay one player 20% of your entire 53 man cap.