Denver Broncos general manager George Paton before the game against the Houston Texans at Empower Field at Mile High. Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Bradley Chubb trade suggests Broncos have given up on 2022

By Clark Dalton | Last updated 11/4/22

Have the Broncos surrendered?

Denver (3-5) has a 12% chance to make the playoffs, per the New York Times simulator. But after dealing former Pro Bowl defensive end Bradley Chubb to Miami for a first-round pick and change, the Broncos seem to have given up on 2022.

"The Broncos gave up on Bradley Chubb and the season Tuesday," longtime Denver sports writer Woody Paige wrote.

Lede of the day, via @woodypaige:

The Broncos gave up on Bradley Chubb and the season Tuesday.#BroncosCountry #NFL @astronaut #DenverNewspapers https://t.co/wMoFXyuCMV
— Mike Judson (@LedeMeOn) November 2, 2022

General manager George Paton refutes the give-up notion and promises he's building a championship contender.

"We're in it to win it," Paton said in a Wednesday news conference.

It's a catchy rhyme that doesn't inspire confidence because championship teams rarely trade a top pass-rusher for draft picks.

The Broncos have little room for error. QB Russell Wilson still is struggling. His 58.8 completion percentage is a career low, and it's unlikely he'll suddenly turn it on in the second half

The Broncos, which are on a bye this week, must play the Titans in Week 10, Ravens in Week 13 and Chiefs twice (Week 14 and Week 17). All three are in the thick of the playoff hunt.

Making a late-season playoff push isn't impossible, but the odds are stacked against Denver.

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