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.

Jarren Duran Praises 9-Year-Old Zayin Berry for Heroic Act of Saving Abused Cat: 'True Example of Courage and Compassion'

Yuma, AZ - October 15, 2025 - Boston Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran has publicly praised 9-year-old Zayin Berry of Yuma, Arizona, for his courageous act of saving a cat from abuse at a local skatepark. Berry, who recently earned the title of "ASPCA Kid of the Year," traded his own skateboard to ensure the safety of a helpless animal, a gesture that has earned him widespread admiration.

"I've heard a lot about Zayin's incredible act, and I think it's just amazing," Duran said in an emotional statement. "For a young kid to step up like that, to make such a selfless decision to help an animal in need, it really shows the kind of courage and heart he has. Zayin is a true example of kindness in action."

The incident occurred when Zayin spotted a cat being abused at the skatepark. Without hesitation, Zayin traded his beloved skateboard to the abuser in exchange for the cat's freedom, later naming the cat "Peaches" after ensuring its safety. The young boy's selfless actions not only saved the cat's life but also brought attention to the importance of compassion and standing up for those who cannot protect themselves.

"I just wanted to make sure Peaches was okay," Zayin said in a statement. "I knew I had to help her, so I gave up my skateboard. It felt like the right thing to do."

Duran, who has been an advocate for community service and positive role models, shared his admiration for Zayin's bravery. "It's people like Zayin who make the world better," Duran added. "He didn't think twice about doing what was right, even if it meant giving something important to him. That's the kind of character we need more of."

Zayin's actions have inspired not only the local community in Yuma but also countless others who have learned about his heroic gesture. His willingness to sacrifice something he valued to help an innocent animal serves as a reminder of the power of compassion and standing up for what is right.

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