The NFL world is still processing the recent blockbuster trade that saw Myles Garrett join the Los Angeles Rams for Jared Verse and draft capital. The move is one of the biggest trades in league history. However, for the Denver Broncos, it's a deja vu moment, reminding them of a trade that many would rather forget.

Bleacher Report's ranking of the biggest trades in NFL history, post-trade, had Garrett's move in fifth. However, the Seattle Seahawks' infamous trade of Russell Wilson to the Broncos was ranked just above at fourth by Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox.

“Things didn’t work nearly as well for the Broncos, who got a mere 11 wins out of Wilson and cut him after just two seasons,” Knox wrote.

Denver traded away a huge package involving the 2022 1st, 2nd and 5th round picks, the 2023 1st and 2nd round picks. Add to that quarterback Drew Lock, tight end Noah Fant and defensive lineman Shelby Harris. Denver, meanwhile, got Wilson and a 2022 4th round pick.

The expectation was that Wilson would immediately elevate the Broncos into championship contention, who were struggling with a 7-10 season in 2021 and 5-11 in 2020.

It did not take long for the Broncos to realize that Russell was not the missing piece to the puzzle. Over his next two seasons in Denver, the Broncos racked up only 11 wins.

While the Seahawks got a core for their Super Bowl win, the Broncos instead had to absorb $85 million in dead cap after they had cut Wilson. General manager George Paton, since this move, has, however, constructed a team with Sean Payton that some consider to be Super Bowl contenders.

How Could The Denver Broncos Possibly Win The Super Bowl In 2026

Under Payton, the Broncos scripted a turnaround story from an 8-9 season in 2023 to putting themselves back on the map with a 10-7 season in 2024. However, they are yet to break the 10-year-old Super Bowl drought.

According to Lou Scataglia of Predominantly Orange, there are three scenarios that could end in the Broncos lifting the Lombardi trophy. The Broncos can win the Super Bowl if J.K. Dobbins stays healthy the whole season.

Scataglia also argued that the addition of Jaylen Waddle could help the passing offense become top-10 in the league.

“With Waddle in the mix, the Broncos now have a well-rounded, deep, and deliberate wide receiver,” wrote Scataglia. “Waddle’s skill set allows space to open for a true “X” receiver like Sutton, with guys like Troy Franklin and Pat Bryant picking up the pieces.”

Scataglia mentions how if Tyler Onyedim, Sai’vion Jones and/or Eyioma Uwazurike could fill the absence of John Franklin-Myers, it would improve the Broncos' chances.

While Denver tries to lift the Lombardi this season, share your thoughts on how the Russell Wilson trade went for the Broncos.

Read more at Denver Broncos Community.

Written by

Dhruv Vishnu Nair

Edited by

Soheli Tarafdar