Denver Broncos stock up, stock down

With training camps more than two months away, teams continue to evaluate their rosters. We're making evaluations, too. Here are the Denver Broncos whose stock is trending up—and down.

Stock Up

Patrick Surtain II, cornerback: The 23-year-old built off an impressive rookie season, solidifying his status as one of the league's best CBs. He earned his first Pro Bowl nod and made first-team All-Pro. Pro Football Focus graded Surtain as its second-best CB behind NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Sauce Gardner of the Jets.
Surtain II has two years remaining on his contract and a fifth-year option in 2024. It's a no-brainer for Denver to pick it up for this lockdown corner. Retaining one of the league's rising stars would be a huge win for the defense.

Jerry Jeudy, wide receiver: Last season, Jeudy—the 15th overall pick in the 2020 draft—started fulfilling his potential. He led the Broncos in major receiving categories with 67 receptions for 972 yards and six touchdowns in 15 games. 

Denver activated his fifth-year option this offseason, a smart move because he could break out under new head coach Sean Payton, an offensive wizard and former Super Bowl champion. 

Stock Down

Russell Wilson, quarterback: Wilson's 2022 season was disastrous. In 15 starts, he had a 4-11 record and logged career lows in passing TDs (16), completion percentage (60.5) and passer rating (84.4). Denver didn't trade two first-rounders (and more) to Seattle for that "production." 

If Wilson doesn't rebound, the trade will rank among the worst in NFL history. Additionally, Denver might start thinking about replacements for the former Pro Bowler. It signed QB Jarrett Stidham this offseason. At the NFL owners meeting in March, Payton said, "[Stidham] can become an NFL starter." 

George Paton, general manager: Paton didn't impress during his first two seasons as GM. "The Broncos are the mess that George Paton made," wrote Mark Kiszla of The Denver Post. The Broncos missed the playoffs in both seasons, posting a dreadful 12-22 record. 

Much of the blame falls on Paton. He made the Wilson trade and hired former head coach Nathaniel Hackett, who was fired after 15 games last season.

Denver hired Paton before the Walton-Penner ownership group purchased the Broncos for $4.65B in August 2022. If Denver continues to flounder, Paton could get canned.