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Wilson Trade a Defining, Negative Legacy for Broncos

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Tuesday, February 3rd 2026 at 23:59 GMT by Sporting News
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The Wilson Trade: A Defining Moment

The blockbuster trade that brought Russell Wilson to Denver will undoubtedly be Paton's defining legacy - and currently, not in a positive light. While the move was initially lauded as a bold attempt to address the quarterback position, the on-field results have been disastrous. Wilson's performance declined dramatically, and the subsequent salary cap ramifications have crippled the Broncos' ability to address other critical needs. The substantial dead cap money associated with Wilson continues to hamper the team's financial flexibility, making roster improvements significantly more challenging.

Beyond Wilson: Roster Deficiencies and Draft Concerns

Beyond the Wilson debacle, the Broncos' roster remains riddled with holes. The offensive line, a perennial weakness, continues to struggle in pass protection and run blocking. This instability has directly impacted the team's ability to establish a consistent running game and keep opposing pass rushers at bay. While some free agent additions have been made to shore up the line, the issue remains a persistent concern.

The receiving corps, too, lacks a true, game-changing number one receiver. Courtland Sutton has shown flashes of brilliance, but consistency has been an issue. The search for a reliable and dynamic playmaker at wide receiver remains a top priority.

Furthermore, while the Surtain pick was a clear win, the Broncos' overall draft record is mixed. Several selections have failed to pan out, leaving the team thin at key positions and reliant on veteran free agents - often at inflated prices due to the salary cap constraints. This pattern of inconsistent drafting raises questions about the team's scouting and evaluation processes.

The Salary Cap Conundrum

The Broncos have been consistently pressed against the salary cap under Paton's leadership. While some of this is attributable to the Wilson contract, it also reflects a lack of strategic long-term planning and a tendency to overspend on free agents. This financial strain limits the team's ability to retain key players and adds to the overall roster instability.

Potential Replacements and the Payton Factor

Should Paton be relieved of his duties, several candidates are likely to emerge as potential replacements. Names frequently mentioned include Buffalo Bills GM Brandon Beane, Kansas City Chiefs GM Brett Veach, and New York Jets GM Joe Douglas. Each of these individuals has demonstrated a proven track record of building competitive rosters and effectively managing the salary cap. Beane's success in Buffalo, Veach's oversight of a Chiefs dynasty, and Douglas's improvements to the Jets all make them attractive options for the Broncos' ownership group.

However, the ultimate decision will likely be heavily influenced by Sean Payton. The head coach is seeking a collaborative and harmonious working relationship with the GM, and he needs to be confident that the GM can execute his vision for the team. Payton's desire for control over personnel decisions is well-known, and the new GM will need to align with his philosophy. Any potential candidate will be vetted thoroughly to ensure a strong working relationship with the head coach.

The Broncos' ownership, led by Greg Penner, Rob Walton, and Mark Clarke, is facing a crucial decision. They are committed to building a winning team, and they will carefully evaluate Paton's performance and consider all available options. While they are unlikely to make a rash decision, the clock is indeed ticking, and the future of the Broncos' front office hangs in the balance.