The Denver Broncos’ Russell Wilson era has come to an end. While Wilson is certain to find a new team in the next weeks, if not days, the Broncos must now pick his replacement.
Jarrett Stidham, who replaced Wilson and started two games last season, is an internal possibility. The 27-year-old former fourth-round pick, however, is expected to face stiff opposition from the Broncos.
Players like Baker Mayfield, Kirk Cousins, and Jimmy Garoppolo are projected to reach the open market, so there will undoubtedly be a few options available in free agency. Trading for a younger player, such as Justin Fields or Zach Wilson, might potentially help Denver. But, once again, there’s a sense that this team wants to solve its quarterback problem once and for all in the 2024 NFL Draft, and Sean Payton is apparently becoming increasingly interested in one option.
Sean Payton is allegedly all-in on Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy.
The Denver Broncos own the 12th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. For the time being, it appears like Chicago, Washington, and New England will be unable to resist selecting Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, and Jayden Daniels.
This leaves J.J. McCarthy and Michael Penix Jr. as the only other probable first-round quarterbacks, with Bo Nix likely to be a Day 2 pick at best.
However, Denver is not the only team that may grow desperate to add a quarterback to its depth chart this offseason. You can also consider teams like Atlanta (8th selection), Minnesota (11th), and Las Vegas (13th) as potential trade up prospects to secure the best remaining quarterback on the draft board. Again, this means that four clubs, probably more, will compete for the right to choose McCarthy.
Tony Pauline’s recent NFL mock draft for Sportskeeda featured a valuable nugget about Denver’s interest in McCarthy, which may be attributed to coach Payton.
“I reported from the Shrine Bowl that head coach Sean Payton was desperate to trade up and pick one of the top three quarterbacks in the draft. I also discovered at the combine that Payton had fallen in love with McCarthy.”
Because demand surpasses supply, McCarthy could be picked much before Denver’s No. 12 pick. If that’s the case, Sean Payton might want to speak with General Manager George Paton before it is too late.
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