I’m still quite shocked to hear that John Elway is no longer the GM for the Broncos.

I had the 2021 season all planned out...I was ready for the team to run it back with Drew Lock. I had my popcorn. I had a bagful of snark to add to my writing for next year. I had a lot of ugly feelings about it too. Many of those feelings have been talked about by Broncos fans for a few years now.

I’ve heard rumblings for a while now about how Elway is ruining the team with poor decision making. I’ve also heard talk about the clown fiesta ownership situation causing the team to completely lose sight of the “Broncos Standard” that Pat Bowlen set and held his organization accountable to for years.

I’ve defended Elway for quite a while, but at the end of the day, the team has changed coaches, players, and implemented different personnel strategies since 2015. Nothing has worked which means that this change was the only thing that made any sense if the Broncos Standard means anything.

I want to say kudos to the Broncos and particularly to Joe Ellis for helping the team do the right thing. I never expected it until an ownership change was forced.

Here are the quick hit thoughts that come to mind about what a new GM means to the team:

1. Drew Lock is on very shaky ground. He got a whole season to showcase what he would mean to the future of the team and without a GM who’s reputation is tied to him as “his pick,” I strongly doubt Lock will be our starter next season.
2. Look for a lot of churn in the roster. There are a lot of guys that we know and love looking at free agency. We can’t keep everyone and the new GM and his partnership with the coaches are likely to bring a paradigm shift in personnel.
3. The draft is going to be very exciting as we could see some big trade happen involving the Broncos to either get a talented QB or even move up for one.

Broncos News:

Tracking the Denver Broncos GM search: Names to know
As the Broncos search for a general manager for the first time in over a decade, follow along as we track rumored and reported candidates for the position.

Joe Ellis, Vic Fangio outline ideal qualities for future Broncos GM
The Broncos will look for a candidate that can fulfill a variety of qualifications and roles — and Ellis believes whoever chooses to accept the position will be positioned for success.

Former Broncos Peyton Manning, John Lynch named finalists for Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2021
The Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Class of 2021 will be decided during the week before Super Bowl LV.

Michael Silver: I don't know if fans appreciate 'the command' Peyton Manning had over the game
NFL Network's Michael Silver says he doesn't know if fans appreciate

Former Indianapolis Colts head coach Tony Dungy, former Denver Broncos head coach Gary Kubiak reflect on quarterback Peyton Manning's legendary NFL career
Former Indianapolis Colts head coach Tony Dungy and former Denver Broncos head coach Gary Kubiak reflect on quarterback Peyton Manning's legendary NFL career.

Pro Football Hall of Fame finalists: My picks for Class of 2021
Will Peyton Manning be joined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame by Calvin Johnson? Adam Rank lists which finalists he'd place in the Class of 2021.

Other NFL News:

It's time to change the model when it comes to GM candidates - Sports Illustrated
GM jobs have historically been open to scouts and coaches, and more recently cap/contract experts. But teams looking for GMs should seek a new type of leader.

Texans hiring Nick Caserio as new general manager
Nick Caserio, the Patriots director of player personnel, has an agreement in place to become the new general manger of the Houston Texans, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport and NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported.

Mike Silver details former Jacksonville Jaguars tackle Tony Boselli's legendary playoff performance vs. former Buffalo Bills defensive end Bruce Smith
NFL Network's Mike Silver details former Jacksonville Jaguars tackle Tony Boselli's legendary playoff performance against former Buffalo Bills defensive end Bruce Smith.

Quick Reads: 2020 in Review | Football Outsiders
The best players this year include a quarterback who has already won an MVP award; a running back who has produced both on the ground and in the air; a wide receiver who once looked like a bust but has developed into a dominant player; and a Hall of Fame tight end who somehow played better than ever at age 31.

Final 2020 DVOA Ratings | Football Outsiders
New Orleans finishes the year No. 1 in our DVOA ratings, but Buffalo is now the hottest team going into the postseason. Also leading the league in 2020: Green Bay on offense, Pittsburgh on defense, and New England on special teams.

OFI: The Narratives Are Why We Play the Games | Football Outsiders
Victories by Alabama and Ohio State in the College Football Playoff look quite different when viewed through the lens of pre-game expectations.

Los Angeles Rams coach Sean McVay 'not gonna make an announcement' on starting QB
As a Saturday playoff matchup at the Seattle Seahawks draws near, Los Angeles Rams coach Sean McVay remains adamant on not announcing a starting quarterback during the week.

GM Joe Douglas noncommittal on Sam Darnold's future with New York Jets
GM Joe Douglas was noncommittal on Sam Darnold's future with the Jets, saying the coach he hires will be "a big part of that" decision.

Carson Wentz drama headlines epic Philadelphia Eagles offseason - Philadelphia Eagles Blog- ESPN
This offseason is setting up to be one of the more consequential for the franchise in recent memory, and it all begins with the quarterback position.

NFL power rankings: Chiefs hold on to No. 1, Bills surging into playoffs - Sports Illustrated
The Bills tied a franchise record for wins but have their eyes set on more, while the Chiefs hold down the No. 1 spot.

Ron Rivera overcame a lot to lead Washington to the playoffs; Cleveland Browns playoff bound - Sports Illustrated
Washington survives a strange game with the Eagles, the Browns(!) are playoff-bound, John Wolford in the spotlight, the Bills are dominant, the NFL gets through the COVID-19 regular season and much more from Week 17.

Dak Prescott contract: Jerry Jones says QB has 'leverage' in talks - Sports Illustrated
Prescott played this season on a $31.4 million franchise tag after rejecting a long-term extension offer last summer.