There has been plenty of talk surrounding the 2-5 Denver Broncos as the Oct. 31 trade deadline approaches. The Athletic reported that while Denver is not having a “fire sale,” the Broncos front office would listen to offers on anyone. Head coach Sean Payt I’mon said earlier this month that the Broncos weren’t looking to “do business” with any of their players, but many still expect they will.
In reporting for the Washington Post, SportsLine analyst Jason La Canfora says the Broncos are looking to shake things up, and acquire some draft picks. One NFL general manager, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, told La Canfora that he would be shocked if one of Denver’s wide receivers in Courtland Sutton or Jerry Jeudy was not moved by Halloween, but also had an interesting comment about Russell Wilson.
“He’d trade the quarterback right now if there was a market for him,” the anonymous GM said.
Wilson has in many ways rebounded after a career-worst season in 2022. Through seven weeks, he ranks No. 20 in passing yards per game (214.1), No. 5 in passing touchdowns with 13 and tied for No. 16 in interceptions with just four. Wilson’s quarterback rating of 99.0 ranks No. 7 in the NFL, but the Broncos offense still ranks No. 21 in yards per game (311.0).
Surprisingly, it’s been the defense that has let Denver down this year. After finishing 2022 ranked No. 7 in yards surrendered per game (320.0), the Broncos defense ranks dead last this season (424.7).
While Denver’s defensive deficiencies have headlined this 2023 disappointment, it’s fair to say the offense has not made the jump many anticipated when the head coach was acquired via trade. The anonymous general manager is likely correct in hypothesizing there is no current trade market for Wilson, but it doesn’t appear there are any teams looking to trade for a well-paid starting quarterback at the trade deadline.
Is it possible Payton could look to move on from Wilson at the end of this season? Before the former Seahawk even played a down for Denver, he signed a five-year, $245 million extension. General manager George Paton doesn’t have much flexibility to get out of this contract, but CBS Sports cap expert Joel Corry listed some options last offseason.
