Broncos Praised Over Record-Breaking $85 Million QB Decision
The Denver Broncos are drawing a new round of praise for their historic decision at the most important position: quarterback. More specifically, the Broncos are drawing attention again for their transition from Russell Wilson to Bo Nix.
Nix’s Broncos are 4-2 through six weeks in 2025. Moreover, they are coming off a 10-win season and their first playoff berth in a decade in 2024. It is a stark contrast from where the Broncos were in 2023, with Wilson at quarterback instead of Nix.
Wilson was 6-11 during his tenure as the Broncos’ QB1, but moving on set a precedent.
The Broncos did it anyway. The decision cost them a record $85 million in dead cap space and laid the foundation for their current success.
Broncos Praised Over Move From Russell Wilson to Bo Nix
ESPN’s Jeff Legwold detailed on October 17 how the Broncos were successful in going from Wilson, a now-10-time Pro Bowler, to Nix, the last of six first-round QBs in the 2024 draft.
Legwold broke the Broncos’ success into three key factors: buy-in from ownership, Nix, and working with the draft capital they had after surrendering a package that included two first-round picks and a pair of seconds to the Seattle Seahawks for Wilson in 2022.
They also extended Wilson, giving him a five-year, $245 million contract.
Broncos head coach Sean Payton and general manager George Paton moved on in Year 1 of that deal, leading to the dead money. Ownership having the “league’s deepest pockets” helps.
“The resources of the Penner group have enabled the Broncos to pony up more upfront money guaranteed at signing in contract extensions than most teams could, multiple league sources said,” Legwold wrote. “Even with the dead money from the Wilson release, the Broncos have guaranteed a combined $228.42 million at signing the past two offseasons” in extensions.
“They could do that because they had the cash for the upfront [guarantees] in those deals available when they wanted to make them, when maybe other people couldn’t have pulled that off,” an anonymous AFC general manager, who also praised ownership, told Legwold. “They had a young core they have kept together to give them continuity when that’s hard to hold together in a cap situation.
“And [the Broncos got] the quarterback.”
From new facilities to a stadium project, both privately funded, and the spending on guaranteed money for extensions and free agents, the Walton-Penner Group has made its mark.
Bo Nix Key to Everything for Broncos
The Broncos’ owners may be the driving force behind the team’s current success. Nix is the ingredient that makes it work for the Broncos, though, tying Legwold’s final two factors together.
Wilson is now a backup on the New York Giants, the Broncos’ opponent in Week 7.
Nix has faced scrutiny over many advanced metrics. He ranks among the worst starting QBs, not just in his draft class, but in the entire league. Still, Nix’s historic rookie season gave the Broncos the confidence to spend as they did.
It is also the reason why their ability to maximize the draft capital they had after acquiring Wilson – and Payton in 2023, for that matter – is viewed through that lens.
Nix’s teammates are fully behind him, and he was an active recruiter this past offseason.
Wilson, meanwhile, is on his third team in three seasons. He could soon suit up for a fourth, since Jaxson Dart took over as QB1 for the Giants. Wilson spent the 2024 season with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He missed their game against the Broncos last year due to an injury.
Patrick Mahomes Delivers Powerful Message: 'The Grind Is Where Champions Are Made'
Patrick Mahomes, the face of the Kansas City Chiefs, has always been more than just a quarterback—he’s a leader who understands the true meaning of resilience, teamwork, and the journey to greatness. In his latest statement, Mahomes emphasized that the path to success isn't solely defined by the victories, but by the way his team carries itself through adversity and the challenges they face together. His words capture the spirit of a champion, reminding fans and teammates alike that the grind is what separates the good from the great.
"Every game we step into, it’s not just about the win—it’s about how we carry ourselves, how we show up. The adversity we face, the challenges we overcome, that’s what defines us as a team. When you’re willing to fight through the tough moments, that’s when you grow, that’s when you build something special. We know the road to greatness isn’t easy, but it’s one we’re ready to travel. The grind is where champions are made, and we’re not backing down from it,"
These words resonate deeply not only with his team but with his fan base, who have witnessed Mahomes lead the Chiefs through numerous high-stakes moments. His leadership isn’t just about throwing perfect passes or making jaw-dropping plays—it’s about the mentality he instills in his teammates. Mahomes understands that the true test of a champion comes not when things are easy, but when the pressure is on, and the odds seem insurmountable.
As the Chiefs prepare for their next big game, Mahomes’ message reminds everyone in the locker room that each practice, each play, and each moment is an opportunity to grow stronger. It's in these moments of adversity that champions are truly made. Mahomes, with his unwavering belief in the team’s collective power, continues to inspire his teammates to push beyond their limits, knowing that the journey to greatness is built on consistent effort and relentless determination.
This mindset is exactly what has propelled Mahomes to the top of the NFL and kept the Chiefs at the forefront of championship contention. It’s not just about talent—it’s about heart, grit, and the willingness to battle through the grind together. Mahomes knows that true greatness doesn’t come easily, and he’s more than ready to lead the Chiefs to new heights.
In a world of instant gratification and quick fixes, Mahomes reminds us all that real success is earned through hard work, perseverance, and the willingness to rise above challenges. With his leadership, the Chiefs are poised for even greater achievements, as they continue to grind their way to glory.
