The Denver Broncos are considering a bold move to address their quarterback situation, and Head Coach Sean Payton seems to be the driving force behind it. Recent rumors suggest that Payton is eyeing top quarterback prospects, including Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, or Jayden Daniels in the 2024 NFL Draft.
According to SportsKeeda’s Tony Pauline, there are discussions about Payton seeking a new quarterback, and while the Broncos are interested in moving up in the draft, the cost of such a move is expected to be substantial, making it unlikely to happen.
Despite still having Russell Wilson under contract, there are indications that Payton’s decision to bench Wilson for the final two games might signal a change in the quarterback situation. While Payton, Wilson, and General Manager George Paton have not ruled out Wilson’s return, the writing seems to be on the wall.
With the top quarterbacks likely to be gone before the Broncos pick at No. 12, they may need to make an aggressive move to secure their preferred choice. Pauline suggests that a blockbuster deal could involve trading cornerback Patrick Surtain, a move the franchise is reluctant to make but would consider as a last resort to secure one of the top quarterbacks.
Among the potential quarterback targets, Caleb Williams stands out due to Payton’s previous endorsement of him as a “generational player.” Payton has expressed high regard for Williams and believes he could be a game-changer, potentially influencing the Broncos’ decision-making.
To make a significant trade, the Broncos might look at a hypothetical scenario involving a trade with the Chicago Bears, similar to last year’s trade with the Carolina Panthers. The proposed package includes sending Patrick Surtain II, the No. 12 overall pick, a 2024 third-round pick, a 2025 first-round pick, and a 2025 second-round pick to the Bears in exchange for the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 draft.
This hypothetical trade is aligned with the compensation the Bears received for the No. 1 overall pick last year and accounts for the higher grade on this year’s top prospect, Caleb Williams. However, the success of this trade would ultimately depend on how the Bears value Williams and whether they see the offered compensation as sufficient.
