Trading away a franchise icon is never easy. (Just ask the Rockies.)
Aside from the fan backlash that often accompanies sending a beloved figure packing, there is the challenge of actually getting something of near or equal value in return. (Just ask the Rockies.)
It says something about the job Broncos general manager George Paton did this week dealing Von Miller to the Los Angeles Rams for 2022 second- and third-round picks, that there was very little of the former.
Namely, it says just about all involved believed Paton achieved the latter.
George Paton — A
Of course, as good as Paton made out this week, the Broncos executive’s work is far from finished.
Acquiring two second-day draft picks for Miller, a superstar outside linebacker on the final year of his contract and unlikely to return, was Paton’s first big step in remaking the franchise.
The second step will be even more important: Capitalizing on all that newfound draft capital by bringing in the franchise quarterback that’s been missing since Peyton Manning walked off into the sunset after Super Bowl 50.
There are two ways Paton can make this happen: 1) Use those picks in a trade for a veteran QB with wandering eyes (think Aaron Rodgers, Deshaun Watson or Russell Wilson), or 2) Use those picks in a deal to move near the top of the draft and select the best college prospect available.
Those social distancing around the watercooler inside the Grading the Week offices all agree: Unless Paton can pry the 32-year-old Wilson away from Seattle, No. 2 is the way to go.
It’s clear Wilson is both good enough and young enough to mortgage a significant chunk of the Broncos’ future. It’s not so clear the same can be said of Watson, 26, or Rodgers, 37. While both are talented quarterbacks, Watson’s legal troubles have no clear expiration date, and Rodgers is just old enough that the excess baggage he brings to the table simply isn’t worth the investment anymore.
Which brings us to the 2022 NFL draft.
Will there be a sure-fire franchise quarterback available next spring? That depends upon what you think of North Carolina’s Sam Howell, Ole Miss’ Matt Corral, Liberty’s Malik Willis, Cincinnati’s Desmond Ridder or Pittsburgh’s Kenny Pickett.
We feel safe in saying at least one of those guys ends up being a good-to-great pro. Now it’s up to Paton and his team to figure that out.
Joe Sakic — C
On the opposite end of the trade spectrum this week: Avalanche general manager Joe Sakic.
Apparently, one of the NHL’s worst-kept secrets was the Avs’ failed attempt to bring former Buffalo Sabres star Jack Eichel to Mile High country.
Hours after the 25-year-old center was traded to the Vegas Golden Knights, he told Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman there was a point where he thought he was headed to Colorado. The apparent roadblock: The capped-out Avs couldn’t convince Buffalo to take on part of Eichel’s $10 million cap hit for 2021-22.
Of course, the Avs always could’ve matched that salary with a collection of players/assets on their end. Instead, Eichel’s now on the roster of a Western Conference rival — although he won’t return to the ice for several months with neck surgery looming.
Was this a whiff on Sakic’s part? Considering what it took to bring Eichel to Sin City (forwards Alex Tuch and Peyton Krebs and draft picks) it sure feels like it.
Players of Eichel’s caliber don’t become available all that often. And the Avs are very clearly in a win-now mode.
Cap pressure is going to lead to some very difficult choices down the road. With the window as wide open as it is this season for Colorado, now is the time to take big swings — and not miss.
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