In an intriguing trade with the Chicago Bears, the Denver Broncos earn the first pick to draft a franchise quarterback.
The Russell Wilson era in Colorado ended before it began. Now, the Denver Broncos will spend the offseason looking for their next quarterback.
Denver might go to the free agent market to see if any quarterbacks are available to serve as a bridge quarterback while they look for their future quarterback. There’s also the option of trading for one, since several players are likely to become available this offseason.
The Broncos may not be able to draft a quarterback. They won’t pick in the 2024 NFL Draft until the 12th round, and by then, all of the top quarterback prospects will be gone. Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels, and Drake Maye are all likely to be selected in the top five.
However, if the Broncos are serious about rapidly identifying a franchise quarterback, there is a way for them to trade for the first overall pick from the Chicago Bears and select the best candidate they want.
Denver Broncos-Chicago Bears 2024 NFL Draft Proposal
However, dealing for the first choice in order to acquire a franchise quarterback will not come cheap.
According to ESPN’s plan, Denver will have to part ways with 23-year-old Pro Bowler Patrick Surtain II, as well as their No. 12 pick in the upcoming draft and second- and third-round picks in 2025, to make it happen.
Here’s what ESPN said about the trade idea:
The Broncos have already lost years of draft capital and are down many spots in this draft, so they virtually have to include players to jump from No. 12 to No. 1. The only guy who could tip the needle is star cornerback Pat Surtain II, who may appear to be a luxury in a zone-based defense like the Bears’.
Chicago may not want to pay two cornerbacks as much as Surtain and Jaylon Johnson will receive on their next contracts, but if Eberflus wants to field the NFL’s greatest defense, adding a top-three cornerback won’t hurt.
Of course, it’s unclear whether the Bears will accept or contemplate the offer, but it’s the only plausible option for the Broncos to get something done.
Moving a young cornerback like Surtain would undoubtedly hurt, but for a Broncos club with an uncertain future, having a franchise quarterback to develop behind is crucial.
