Mark Kiszla: There’s no genuine hope for the Broncos, no flexibility with the salary cap, no draft capital, and no quarterback.
The Broncos find themselves in a challenging situation with no quarterback, limited draft capital, and restricted salary-cap flexibility. Missing the playoffs for the eighth consecutive NFL season may be the least of their concerns. Following a disheartening 27-14 loss to the Raiders, Denver coach Sean Payton attempted to put a positive spin on the situation, expressing disappointment but not discouragement. However, one might argue that a more fitting term for the Broncos is “delusional” with a capital “D.”
Payton was brought in to address a problematic and costly quarterback situation, but after 338 days, the team appears to be in worse shape than when he took over. Despite investing $18 million in Payton, the real obstacle for Denver lies in the aftermath of quarterback Russell Wilson’s struggles. Even if the Broncos decide to release him, they would still be obligated to pay Wilson over $120 million in the next two years.
With a final record of 8-9, the Broncos may be better coached under Payton than they were before, but questions linger about their competitiveness. Despite significant investments to improve the offensive line, concerns arise from the high sack count and the apparent fatigue of key players like Javonte Williams. Additionally, uncertainties surround the performance of 2020 first-round draft pick Jerry Jeudy.
While Payton won eight games with a quarterback boasting a Super Bowl ring, some question whether this constitutes progress. In contrast, former head coach Vic Fangio was let go after a 7-10 record with Teddy Bridgewater. The bitter feelings among the players, such as safety Justin Simmons, highlight the frustration and disappointment permeating the team.
Broncos Country, accustomed to success from the Orange Crush era to Peyton Manning’s Super Bowl 50 triumph, now faces the stark reality that winning is not guaranteed forever. The team’s decision to sever ties with Wilson without benching him first raises questions about their strategic approach. The Broncos’ attempt to pressure Wilson into accepting a contract amendment, seemingly unfavorable to any athlete, leaves the franchise with limited options. Whether cutting Wilson or renegotiating his contract, the team faces challenges that could hinder their rebuilding efforts in 2024 and beyond. The article suggests caution, as a scenario where Wilson returns to Denver and leads another team to victory could cast the blame on the Broncos for a contentious contract extension.
