HALFTIMENEWS

Report: QB Russell Wilson was benched by the Denver Broncos too late, and they do not have a high enough draft pick to replace him.

The Denver Broncos stole every headline earlier today by announcing that they were going to bench veteran QB Russell Wilson. As a result, it has many fans thinking that this is the end of Wilson’s time on the Broncos. If this is the case, then we have no choice but to start looking ahead.

Assuming Jarrett Stidham is not the real deal, the Broncos will likely be shopping for a quarterback in 2024. The 2024 NFL Draft class can give many teams needing quarterbacks hopes of finding a good replacement. However, the Broncos likely will not be drafting high enough to fall in this category.

Current 2024 NFL Draft Order

At the time of writing, the Denver Broncos find themselves holding the 14th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. With two games remaining, it will be impossible for them to land in the top four. While they can move up a few spots before the end of the season, the Broncos are going to be lucky if they end up in the top 10.

Denver Broncos Garrett Boles
Sep 24, 2023; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson (3) leads a huddle against the Miami Dolphins in the second quarter at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

Too Many Teams Need Quarterbacks

It is not impossible for the Broncos to find a quarterback drafting in the middle of the pack. However, their real problem is that a lot of teams currently drafting ahead of them also need quarterbacks. What are some examples of this?

The Chicago Bears currently hold the top pick. There is real speculation that they may move off of QB Justin Fields and draft a new quarterback.

Then, you have the New England Patriots. They have gone back and forth between Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe all season. It is safe to say that neither seems to have the full trust of the Patriots.

After that, there are the Washington Commanders and New York Giants. Both teams recently benched their quarterbacks. That could leave Washington and New York open to drafting replacements for their current quarterbacks.

That just covers what is on the surface. Essentially, it is unlikely that the Broncos are going to be able to be in a position to draft a top quarterback from this draft. They would have to hope that an underrated one falls to them if they go this route.

Michael Penix Jr., Washington Huskies
Dec 1, 2023; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Washington Huskies quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (9) throws the ball against the Oregon Ducks in the second half of the Pac-12 Championship game at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Quarterback Options for the Denver Broncos

So, what can the Broncos do about their quarterback situation in 2024? They have three realistic options. The first is to do the above and draft a quarterback. Then, hope that one falls in their lap and changes the direction of this franchise.

The second option is to sign a cheaper veteran. Wilson is due to make about $48 million per year. While no experienced quarterback is cheap, the Broncos could certainly find a quarterback at a significant discount if they went a different direction.

Finally, Denver has the option to run it back with Russell Wilson. They may come to their senses and realize that they are just not in a great position to replace Wilson right now. As a result, Denver could merely be deciding to wave the white flag on the 2023 season and give head coach Sean Payton one more year to see what he can do with Russell Wilson.

Denver Broncos Sean Payton and Russell Wilson need to snap the road losing streak
Sep 17, 2023; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton talks with quarterback Russell Wilson (3) in the fourth quarter against the Washington Commanders at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

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