FanPost

Why we need to trade for Aaron Rogers


When I write this, don't get me wrong, I would love for Drew Lock to suddenly turn into an elite QB and become the face of the franchise and lead the Broncos to multiple SB titles. And while that may not be impossible, it is is also unlikely. I think we can all agree Aaron Rogers is one of the better QB's to play the game and will surely go into the HOF after his career is over. To be able to draft those types of QBs is rare, and teams can go decades without drafting one or even their life of the franchise. Case in point, look at the Denver Broncos. We have never drafted a HOF QB, yes I know Elway we traded for, but that was after the draft and Elway threatened to go play for the Yankees versus the Colts. Remember we passed on Jim Kelly and Dan Marino in that draft to take Chris Hinton with the idea of Steve DeBerg or Mark Herman being the QB the following year. It wasn't until the NFL nixed the Raiders offer that the Broncos were able to slide in and grab Elway. When arguably the best QB that the franchise ever drafted is Jay Cutler, then that speaks volumes of how hard it is to draft that franchise QB. Lets look at the New England Patriots. Everyone says look, Tom Brady lasted till the 6th round and Pats were able to develop him into the GOAT. Yes that was a miracle of circumstance and the player getting an opportunity, but had Drew Bledsoe not been injured the season Brady got his shot, it's likely we never would of heard of Tom Brady as anyone other than a great backup QB.

I can go on and on regarding how franchise struggled throughout the league, look at the Browns, after Otto Graham, name me a great HOF Cleveland QB. Bernie Kozar? Very good but not great. He was the Phillip Rivers of his age but someone who could never quit get his team over the hump. Maybe Baker Mayfield turns into that guy, but so far he has been average. What I am getting at is HOF QBs are not easy to come by, the Broncos are extremely fortunate to have had two play for them, if we can get another one then that would be truly fortunate.

So every decries what it will cost the Broncos, lets just say following argument that it will cost us the following: a first and 2nd round pick next year, a 1st round pick in 2023, a 2nd round pick in 2024, and lets throw in Cortland Sutton. Too steep you say, OMG too much capital. What if Rogers stinks it up and then decides to retire.

Lets first address the last comment. Rogers has demanded the trade, and while we can debate the merits of the demand, the fact is the pressure will be on him to perform. He knows full well that demanding a trade and then stinking it up in the next location is going to be a huge blemish on his legacy. Likewise, why demand a trade if you are not intent on continuing your career for at least another 4 to 5 years? So unless barring a major injury to Rogers, I really don't see him starting to stink or deciding to retire after a season. And yes, there is no guarantees regarding injuries, but that applies to every player.

Now lets address the draft picks. Everyone treats the draft as if these players are sure fired contributors. The fact is if Rogers plays like Rogers can play, we don't have major injuries, then we should be picking in the late 20's to 30's hopefully. So lets assume for argument sake we pick 26, those three seasons. Here were the 26th pick and 52nd picks from the last few drafts:

2020 Jordan Love, QB Cam Akers, RB

2019 Montez Sweat, DE, Drew Sample TE

2018 Calvin Ridley WR, Kemoko Turray DE

2017 Takkarist McKinley DE, Deshone Kizer QB

2016 Paxton Lynch QB, Deion Jones, LB

2015 Breshad Perriman WR, Jordan Phillips DT

2014 Marcus Smith LB, Troy Niklas, LB

2013 Datone Jones DE, Jamie Collins LB

Obviously there were some busts and some good picks, what I am saying is the likelyhood that our team will be dramatically diminished because we gave up these picks is somewhat laughable. The fact is we would be able to likely fill in with FA that will be able to perform as well as any of those picks. And while I like Sutton a lot, the fact is we are not going to be able to pay all of our WR talent. And a great QB can help elevate the existing talent of a dependent position. Still having the likes of Juedy, Fant, Patrick, Hamler, AO should be more than sufficient to turn the offense into a force.

And lastly I hate to go to a Raiders adage, but just win baby. I would love for another run to the SB to be with home grown talent, but the fact is none of our SB victories have been with home grown talent. We have always had a blend of great free agents or trades with some special home grown talent. During the first two SB's we obviously had Elway (who I will consider home grown), TD, Sharpe, Nalen, Atwater, but we also had guys like Zimmerman, Schlearth, Tony Jones, Habib, Howard Griffith, Romo, Alfred Williams, Neil Smith, etc... with Manning you had Von and all the defensive guys along but also had FAs on the line and in the defense like Ware and Ward. Don't feel like the Broncos have to find their QB through the draft. All that matters is winning at the end of the day. Do you think Tampa Bay cares that Tom Brady spent so many years in New England or are they happy to have a SB trophy. Do you think that team cares where they started at, just where they finished at.

This is why it's imperative we trade for rogers, we don't let this opportunity go by the wayside. Rogers gives us a legitimate shot for a title now and in the future. This team cap wise is structured well and we can survive losing those picks. Take the chance and win now.

This is a Fan-Created Comment on MileHighReport.com. The opinion here is not necessarily shared by the editorial staff of MHR.