George Payton, spoke with Ian Rapoport of NFL Network about the plausible scenario of the team trading up from their current No. 12 pick to No. 4.
Sean Payton: Broncos could realistically trade up, Cardinals are in a good place. https://t.co/Jhe8TtDDwB
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) March 25, 2024
Payton’s decision comes with the acknowledgement that Cardinals General Manager, Monti Ossenfort, is in a strategic position, considering Arizona presently retains the No. 4 pick. “It’s good to be Monti right now,” Payton said.
Drawing from the 49ers’ move in 2021, the cost of moving up from No. 12 would clearly mean giving up No.12 this year, the Broncos’ first- and third-round picks in 2025 and their first-round pick in 2026.
The move by the 49ers seems to haunt the path that Broncos may likely tread. While the move didn’t quite pan out for the 49ers with Trey Lance, Payton proposes there are four franchise quarterbacks in this draft.
All projected to be off the board by the time the Broncos make their pick at No. 12. In light of this prediction, Payton might just be considering trading their hefty draft capital to Arizona.
Given the likely disappearance of the top quarterbacks by the time Broncos make their No.12 pick, the option to trade up becomes more tantalizing.
For now, the GM places quarterback Jarrett Stidham as a temporary solution for the Broncos’ starting lineup.
There is also speculation about acquiring a veteran as an additional possibility. With the draft a month away, Payton expresses hope in securing a quarterback who can commit for the long-haul in Denver.
“He is going to compete for that position,” Payton said, according to NFL Network’s James Palmer. “I know he’s anxious and excited to do that, and I’m sure there will be other candidates that will be competing with him.”
