The Denver Broncos pulled off one of the most surprising moves of the offseason when they traded for Seattle Seahawks star Russell Wilson.
The rumors about Wilson's availability via trade and desire to be moved loomed during the regular season. Denver pounced on the opportunity to add a star QB with a massive trade package that included young tight end Noah Fant and the ninth overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.
Broncos GM George Paton explained that he didn't pull this move off by himself. At Wilson's introductory press conference, he said that Wilson's agent, Mark Rodgers, and the Seahawks helped the team pull off the move with no leaks to the media about it.
George Paton: "A trade of this magnitude doesn't happen without a lot of people coming together."
Recognizes Wilson's agent, Mark Rodgers, and thanks the Seahawks for the "amazing" professionalism they showed. Said negotiations went on for a month with no leaks.
— Nick Kosmider (@NickKosmider) March 16, 2022
Wilson, at 33 years of age, is a risky addition only because of his age and size, which don't pair well together. Paton understood the risk, but also the potential reward a player of Wilson's caliber could have for Denver. He said that parting with draft picks is tough but that it was worth it for Wilson, a nine-time Pro Bowler who set his career-high in touchdown passes in a season in 2020.
Paton: "If you know me, you know it's tough to trade a lot of picks … but that's the price you pay when you add a player and person of Russell's stature. … We were going to do whatever it took to get Russ."
— Nick Kosmider (@NickKosmider) March 16, 2022
The Broncos are adding Wilson to a solid offensive unit and their defense was great last season. But the road ahead of them could be very tough. Their division rivals could all win double-digit games, as the Kansas City Chiefs remain elite and the Los Angeles Chargers and Las Vegas Raiders are improving their rosters, too, by trading for Khalil Mack and signing Chandler Jones respectively.
Still, now that they have Wilson, the Broncos could be a very strong team and return to the postseason with a chance at making a deep run.