Denver Broncos: Options at QB after Matthew Stafford trade
Pursuing the Deshaun Watson sweepstakes
Let’s just look at this objectively.
The idea of adding Deshaun Watson sounds great, and the Broncos should once again make the call to see what it would take.
If the price to acquire Stafford was two first-round picks, a third-round pick, and a player like Jared Goff, then the price to acquire Watson will undoubtedly be double that in first-round picks, likely more in terms of day two picks, and probably at least a couple of young players.
What teams can reasonably accommodate that? The Denver Broncos would once again be between a rock and hard place with a move like that having to give up not only draft assets but young players that would make acquiring Watson far less thrilling, at least in the short-term.
Considering the fact that there are multiple teams that can offer the Texans much better trade packages than the Denver Broncos can, it is probably best to put this one on ice.
The 2021 NFL Draft
The Denver Broncos’ involvement with Matthew Stafford trade talks indicates one thing for sure — the team is exploring options to upgrade at the quarterback position.
They were obviously not desperate enough to give up whatever the Lions wanted, which indicates that GM George Paton is doing as he said he would, which is being aggressive but not reckless.
The 2021 NFL Draft has four quarterbacks generally predicted to be going in the top 10 selections: Clemson’s Trevor Lawrence, BYU’s Zach Wilson, Ohio State’s Justin Fields, and North Dakota State’s Trey Lance.
Will Paton fall in love with one of those guys if he hasn’t already?
Let’s get one thing straight: The Broncos going after Stafford and being aggressive in the 2021 NFL Draft for a quarterback are mutually exclusive.
Just because the Broncos had interest in acquiring Stafford at the right price does not mean this team is going to go all-in to get a quarterback in the 2021 NFL Draft. Could they? Absolutely, they could.
Anytime a new general manager or head coach (or both) is hired to a team, the odds go way up that a quarterback change is shortly to follow. Because of that, the Broncos should of course be on QB watch in the 2021 NFL Draft. Does that mean it’s the right thing to do for all involved?
No, it does not. But if your general manager is convicted to take a certain QB, he’s got to do it and not apologize for it, regardless of who is on the roster.