The NFL isn’t known to be a year-round sport. But, when the offseason comes around, anything is possible. It’s just that we didn’t expect Russell Wilson to say goodbye to the Seahawks.
However, never say never. On Tuesday, the Denver Broncos made the biggest QB acquisition since Peyton Manning. Their trade package showed they’re going all-in next season.
Trade package:
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 8, 2022
Seattle gets QB Drew Lock, TE Noah Fant, DL Shelby Harris, two first-round picks, two second-round picks and a fifth-round pick.
Denver gets Russell Wilson and a fourth-round pick.
With a major upgrade at the quarterback position, Denver has a chance to make some noise in a tough AFC West. For Seattle, it signals the start of a rebuild. Let’s go in-depth on the trade from both sides.
The Seattle Seahawks sink to the bottom of the NFC West
Going from Russell Wilson to Drew Lock at quarterback is a major downgrade. Outside of his outstanding performance against the Chiefs in Week 18, he hasn’t shown the capability to be a starting-caliber player in the NFL.
Acquiring Noah Fant improves the team’s depth at tight end. He comes in likely as #1 on the depth chart, ahead of guys like Gerald Everett and Will Dissly.
Shelby Harris is a solid acquisition for the defense. The former 7th-round pick from 2014 finished with six sacks last year.
However, the biggest takeaway from this trade was the amount of draft picks they received. Two first-rounders, including the #9 overall pick this year, are a win. It gives them the option to draft a quarterback, whether it’s Kenny Pickett or Malik Willis.
There are still questions as to what Seattle will do with guys like Bobby Wagner. If Seattle doesn’t plan on contending anytime soon, it would be best to move on from Wagner and let him go to a contender.
Remember how Jamal Adams was traded to Seattle? Well…
Jamal Adams really forced a trade away from the #Jets only to end up on Jets Northwest ?
— Jake Asman (@JakeAsman) March 8, 2022
We Getting High Up Here In Mile High City
For the Denver Broncos, this trade signals a changing time around the organization. No longer do they have to deal with mediocre quarterback play. They finally have stability at the most important position in football.
The offense has the potential to be a dangerous unit. Javonte Williams is poised for a breakout season next year at running back. Jerry Jeudy and Courtland Sutton are a solid wide receiver duo. KJ Hamler and Tim Patrick also are great depth pieces as well.
Despite losing Noah Fant, it’s time to unleash Albert Okwuegbunam at tight end. The fourth-rounder from 2020 has a chance to show if he’s capable of being a top tight end in the league.
On the defensive side of the ball, the unit is still intact. Losing Shelby Harris isn’t the end of the world for this team. Bradley Chubb and Pat Surtain will continue to lead this defense headed into next year. Von Miller could also make a return after winning a championship with the Rams.
Von Miller was hinting at returning to the Broncos yesterday, and now we know why. pic.twitter.com/NcxcwYi8Vi
— SB Nation (@SBNation) March 8, 2022
The biggest concern on this Denver team now is the offensive line. PFF ranked Denver’s offensive line as 11th worst in the NFL last season. Seattle’s unit was 7th worst. It’s safe to say Wilson didn’t leave to a significantly better offensive line.
However, the team does have their own first-round pick in this upcoming draft. They could target an offensive lineman to improve the unit.
In all, Broncos fans are ecstatic to have a dependable quarterback to lead their team. In a tough AFC West, they have the potential to make some noise.
Conclusion
Despite the package they gave up, Denver has their quarterback. Seattle can get a head start on their rebuild with their draft picks.
This NFL offseason is off to a great start. It’s going to be exciting to see what else will happen.
Oh, and Aaron Rodgers is back in Green Bay.
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