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.

JJ Watt Speaks Out on Shedeur Sanders’ Situation as Browns Face Mounting Pressure

As the Cleveland Browns navigate a challenging season, the decision to keep rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders on the bench has stirred significant discussion among fans and analysts. Former NFL star JJ Watt recently weighed in on the situation, emphasizing that the stakes are high for both the players and coaching staff.

With the Browns struggling with a 1-5 record, Watt’s comments underscore the pressure to perform, particularly as Dillon Gabriel is set to start against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Watt pointed out that decisions made in the NFL are not taken lightly, especially when jobs and livelihoods are on the line.

The Browns’ choice to start Gabriel over Sanders reflects their commitment to finding immediate solutions as they aim to turn their season around. While many fans have expressed excitement about Sanders’ potential, Watt’s perspective highlights the realities of professional football where performance metrics dictate opportunities.

Sanders was drafted in the fifth round, and his position behind Gabriel, a third-round pick, indicates the Browns’ plan to prioritize experience as they look to stabilize their offense. Head coach Kevin Stefanski has been clear about his approach, stating that the focus remains on developing players while ensuring that the team runs a cohesive offense. This approach, however, raises questions about Sanders’ readiness and how long he will remain on the sidelines.

Despite the disappointment of not starting, Sanders is still considered a valuable asset for the team. His time on the bench allows him to learn and adapt to the professional game, but the clock is ticking as pressure mounts for the Browns to improve their performance. The current quarterback situation has left the door open for speculation about Sanders’ future role.

Former NFL Star JJ Watt Drops Honest take on Cleveland Browns’ Shedeur Sanders Not Starting

Watt recently shared his thoughts about Sanders not starting for the Browns. This can be seen in a post shared by the sports analyst on his official X account.

If the Browns thought Shedeur Sanders would give them a better chance to win, he would start. And maybe that day does come. I know there are many people out there very much looking forward to seeing what he’s capable of at this level if given the chance. Myself included. But jobs and livelihoods are on the line, coaches and front offices don’t just hold players back for no reason. They need to win and they need to win fast. They’ll do whatever it takes for that to happen.

The Browns offense hasn’t scored over 17 points in 11 straight games. There have clearly been offensive struggles, regardless of who’s been playing the QB position.

This is the position they put themselves in when they drafted two QBs in the same class in the first 5 rounds. Whoever got the first chance to play was always going to have the potential distraction of the other QB and the “what if” factor. It leaves no room for error, making mistakes, growing, maturing and getting the benefit of the doubt in the court of public opinion.

The upcoming game against the Steelers represents a critical moment for Gabriel and the Browns. If they can achieve a much-needed victory, it may provide some breathing room for the coaching staff, but if not, the scrutiny surrounding the decision to bench Sanders will intensify.

While Watt’s insights reflect the harsh realities of NFL decision-making, they also serve as a reminder of the potential that lies within Shedeur Sanders. As the Browns navigate this pivotal week, all eyes will be on how the quarterback situation unfolds and what it means for the team’s future.

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