GM of the Broncos Hints at Offseason Trades to Accumulate Draft Picks

It’s possible that the Denver Broncos will try to trade for additional 2024 NFL draft selections.

The Denver Broncos have six picks in the NFL draft going into 2024, including the number twelve overall. Although the draft is always significant, the Broncos will find it even more so this year.

According to above The Cap, the Broncos are already expected to be above the salary cap by $30 million. The Broncos will face an NFL single-season record $85 million in dead money on the salary cap if they dismiss veteran quarterback Russell Wilson as a pre-June 1 cut.

In the event that Wilson is selected after June 1st, the Broncos would still be facing $35.4 million in dead money in 2024 alone. This squad is severely cap-constrained, so general manager George Paton and head coach Sean Payton must maximize each draft pick and search far and wide for college free agents.

Paton reminded everyone how the Broncos like to hoard draft picks and stressed the importance of this year’s draft during his end-of-season press conference on Tuesday. To get more, he even hinted at a few possible transactions.

“It is imperative that we focus on the draft,” stated Paton. “We have six options and are selecting highly. There is more we could have. We enjoy selections, you know that. We’ll proceed accordingly.

The Broncos will not be able to take advantage of the initial wave of free agency this year because of their lack of salary space and the burdensome nature of Wilson’s contract, according to Paton. However, the general manager continued to express optimism that the Broncos will have the “flexibility” to make the required adjustments because of the salary-cap magic that vice president of football operations Rich Hurtado can work.

Paton described the potential dead-cap consequences of Wilson’s release as “extreme.” “Our [salary] cap is managed by Rich Hurtado, so we’re ready for any eventuality. Either way, we’ll be able to adjust and accomplish what’s necessary. Unlike last year, we won’t be part of the initial wave of free agency. That is not something you can accomplish each year. When it comes to the positions and players we attempt to sign, we’ll be very deliberate and detailed.”

Trades are the only method to obtain additional draft picks unless the NFL grants a team compensatory selections. In order to accumulate more selections, the Broncos may choose to hold onto a number of experienced candidates in the stock market.

Paton will undoubtedly hope that someone calls him regarding Wilson, but any potential trade interest will be smothered by the same burdensome deal that keeps the Broncos salary cap in place. Additionally, NFL teams are aware that Wilson’s demotion caused some backlash and probably damaged the quarterback’s feelings toward the franchise, leaving the Broncos with little alternative except to dismiss him.