The Denver Broncos officially smashed the reset button this offseason. Moving on from quarterback Russell Wilson was a necessary evil even though the ramifications include the largest dead cap charge ($85 million) in NFL history. A successful season for the Broncos in 2024 means they proved to be on the appropriate path forward with their new, young quarterback.
The Broncos officially became Sean Payton's team this offseason. It wasn't Payton who acquired Wilson as quarterback in 2022, which has now proven to be arguably the worst trade in NFL history. Wilson was a poor schematic fit for the new-look offense, and the Broncos handed control to their high-priced head coach when they benched the nine-time Pro Bowler to ensure injury guarantees wouldn't be triggered.
Despite the controversies involving Payton and Wilson, the Broncos finished the 2023 season a respectable 8-9. As forgettable as it was, it was a significant improvement on their disastrous 2022 campaign that led to previous head coach Nathaniel Hackett going one-and-done.
There were ripple effects of Wilson's sizable cap penalty this offseason. Long-term defensive captain Justin Simmons was released from his contract in a cap-clearing decision. The Broncos weren't major players in free agency, nor could they afford to re-sign starting center Lloyd Cushenberry III.
It also ensured the Broncos would need to find an affordable solution at quarterback. One of the worst-kept secrets of draft season became reality when Denver drafted Oregon quarterback Bo Nix with the No. 12 overall selection.
Bo Nix ➡️ Michael Bandy pic.twitter.com/JAW0wICe3g
— DNVR Broncos (@DNVR_Broncos) July 27, 2024
Broncos general manager George Paton left no stone unturned at quarterback, though. A flier was taken on former New York Jets first-round bust Zach Wilson. Wilson, Nix, and holdover Jarrett Stidham have been competing for first-team reps at training camp.
Nix and Stidham have outperformed Wilson at camp thus far. If the Broncos prefer to begin the campaign with the veteran Stidham under center, it should be considered a disappointment if Nix doesn't supplant him at some point. The Broncos should want to see their first-round quarterback establish himself while proving worthy of the investment.
Today’s QB update: Jarrett Stidham was once again the most steady QB. Along with good decision making, Stidham also had two completions for ~15 yards.
— Zac Stevens (@ZacStevensDNVR) July 30, 2024
Bo Nix once again displayed his speed on the ground, but struggled to find much beyond five yards down the field.
Whoever wins the starting job will likely be operating a run-heavy offense. The expected duo of Javonte Williams and rookie fifth-rounder Audric Estime appear capable of forming a versatile, high-volume backfield. Changes have been made at receiver after Jerry Jeudy was traded to the Cleveland Browns. He'll be replaced by shrewd free-agent signing Josh Reynolds, and rookie Troy Franklin. Sophomore Marvin Mims Jr. is also expected to take a step forward.
Defensively, John Franklin-Myers was acquired via trade with the New York Jets to help a Broncos pass rush that recorded a 22nd-best 42.0 sacks last season. Young players like Nik Bonitto, Ja'Quan McMillan, and Jonathon Copper will be relied on. Second-year defensive coordinator Vance Joseph needs to maximize the talent he's been given.
Payton hand-selected Nix as Wilson's eventual successor. His clock as the Broncos' head coach begins now. The Broncos must flash progress under his guidance. It'll be difficult to define the Broncos' 2024 season as a success if Nix doesn't prove more effective than Stidham by season's end.
