Denver Broncos · Franchise era 7 of 7
The quarterback carousel: the Denver Broncos story
Franchise era
2016—present
The quarterback carousel
Denver Broncos
The story in one sentence
The defense remained capable after Manning retired, but repeated quarterback and coaching changes turned the search for a successor into the era's central story.
A champion defense waits for offensive continuity
Justin Simmons, Patrick Surtain II and Courtland Sutton gave the era its recognizable core.
Its final meaning is still being written.
Timeline
How it unfolded
Before 2016
What came before
Manning directed the highest-scoring offense in league history before Miller and an elite defense carried Denver to victory in Super Bowl 50.
March 16, 2022
Seattle's Russell Wilson reset
The Broncos believed an established quarterback would unlock a ready-made roster. Seattle chose a clean reset after a decade with Wilson.
02Quarterback blockbusterMarch 16, 2022DEN⇄SEARussell Wilson to DenverDenver paid three veterans and five premium picks for Russell Wilson. Seattle used the return to refresh both lines, its secondary and its young core.10 assets · 5 outcomes＋
The original receipt
Denver Broncos received
- • Russell Wilson
- • 2022 fourth · No. 116
Seattle Seahawks received
- • Drew Lock
- • Noah Fant
- • Shelby Harris
- • 2022 first · No. 9
- • 2022 second · No. 40
- • 2022 fifth · No. 145
- • 2023 first · No. 5
- • 2023 second · No. 37
Denver released Wilson after two seasons. Seattle's return produced Charles Cross, Boye Mafe, Devon Witherspoon and Derick Hall, plus several more branches.
Open full trade tree →2025-01-12
Wild Card: Denver Broncos vs Buffalo Bills
2026-01-17
Divisional Round: Buffalo Bills vs Denver Broncos
2026-01-25
Conference Championship: New England Patriots vs Denver Broncos
Still unfolding
Where the story stands
This chapter remains active, so its final place in franchise history is still being written.
The core