Does new mock draft signal end of Russell Wilson era in Denver?

The Denver Broncos paid a steep price to acquire nine-time Pro Bowl quarterback Russell Wilson from the Seattle Seahawks before the 2022 season. However, not even two years into his tenure, Wilson doesn't appear to be the answer as the team marches toward another lost season.

That is already leading to speculation — and perhaps even hope among Broncos fans — that the team will go in a new direction this offseason and find another starting QB. Per the latest Pro Football Focus 2024 mock draft simulator, the Broncos will indeed select a quarterback. 

According to the simulator, the most popular option is North Carolina's Drake Maye, with Southern Cal's Caleb Williams the No. 2 selection.

For the Broncos to have any chance at Williams, they would likely need to finish with the worst record in the league. Williams is almost universally projected to be the top pick in the 2024 draft class, especially as Chicago (via Carolina as well as its own pick) and Arizona (uncertainty with Kyler Murray) are currently positioned to be in the top-three spots.

Given Denver's 2-5 record — and the fact it is likely to be a seller in advance of Tuesday's trade deadline — it could easily finish among the league's worst teams. 

Before the draft, the Broncos quarterback situation is going to be a huge discussion point. It's extremely complicated because Wilson's contract makes it nearly impossible to deal him or release him until after the 2025 season. His contract carries a $85 million hit in dead cap space next season and $49.6 million in 2025. 

Wilson has improved significantly this season and has again looked like a strong NFL starting quarterback. It has not translated to wins, but entering Week 8, he owns an above-average 99 passer rating and has thrown 13 touchdown passes to only four interceptions. 

However, the 2024 NFL Draft  — which is projected to have several first-round talents at QB — may be the perfect time for the Broncos to think long term at the sport's most important position. When a team has a chance to find a potential long-term answer at quarterback (which the Broncos very likely will this offseason), it must advantage of that opportunity.

If the Broncos are going to be stuck with Wilson for at least another two years, they can at least get some productive play out of him and allow a potential franchise quarterback (whether it be Maye or Williams) to be brought along slowly. 

Given Wilson's age (34) and the team's lack of success with him at quarterback, it is a position that must be addressed soon. It might as well be this offseason.