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Grading George Paton’s first year as Broncos GM

By Travis Wakeman

Oct 31, 2021; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Broncos general manager George Paton before the game against the Washington Football Team at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 31, 2021; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Broncos general manager George Paton before the game against the Washington Football Team at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /
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Von Miller, Denver Broncos
TAMPA, FLORIDA – JANUARY 23: Von Miller #40 of the Los Angeles Rams reacts after defeating the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 30-27 in the NFC Divisional Playoff game at Raymond James Stadium on January 23, 2022, in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

Broncos in-season trades

Paton was not afraid to make moves during the season, which was nice to see.

He started by acquiring Stephen Weatherly from his old Vikings team, along with a seventh-round pick in 2023 for a seventh-round pick in 2022. Weatherly fit in nicely with the Broncos and is a player the team should invest in for the future.

Days later, he was able to get linebacker Kenny Young from the Los Angeles Rams and a seventh-round pick in 2024 for a sixth-round pick in 2024. Though Young would end the season on injured reserve, this was great value and he is a player that could be big for the team in years to come.

Paton got another sixth-round pick in 2022 from the Philadelphia Eagles for Kary Vincent. I feel like the team may have given up on Vincent too soon but again, he was a seventh-round choice and Paton upgraded by one whole round with the return he got.

Then there was the big move. The trade of Von Miller, the best defensive player in Broncos history. Miller went to the Rams, who were giving away picks like candy in order to get to the Super Bowl.

Paton was able to secure second and third-round picks for Miller, which was actually great value for a player at that stage of his career. Von and the Rams got what they wanted out of the deal, as they won the Super Bowl.

In all, this is what Paton’s in-season trades amount to.

Received: Stephen Weatherly, Kenny Young, a second-round pick in 2022, a third-round pick in 2022, a sixth-round pick in 2022, a seventh-round pick in 2023 and a seventh-round pick in 2024.

Gave up: Von Miller, Kary Vincent, a seventh-round pick in 2022, a sixth-round pick in 2024.

Not bad, even if it was hard to say goodbye to Von.

Grade: B+

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