Wilson, despite some improved moments in 2023, is seemingly set to move on from the Broncos in the coming months, whilst Payton is now in the process of finding his new franchise quarterback to compete in the AFC West, which currently contains QBs Patrick Mahomes and Justin Herbert.
In this scenario, the Dolphins would give up the quarterback who they supposedly have a desire to commit to long-term, in exchange for Chicago Bears up-and-down QB, Justin Fields, the Broncos’ 2nd round pick, whilst snapping up an extra 3rd round pick this year in exchange for their current 3rd rounder in 2025.
The Broncos, meanwhile, would get the 2023 Pro Bowler in exchange for a 3rd round pick this year and 2025 2nd and 6th round picks. And the Bears, finally, would get Miami’s 6th round pick this year, plus 2025 third and sixth round picks for Justin Fields.
Good question. The Denver Broncos, despite the NFL executives, coaches and fans all, to some degree having mixed feelings about Tua Tagovailoa, especially after being demolished in the cold by a previously underperforming Kansas City Chiefs team in the Wild Card round of the 2023 playoffs – would have no mixed feelings about this trade.
To get Tua, and again, I am not necessarily the biggest Tua fan, for a mere 2nd and a 3rd round pick (and 6th), the 2nd of which is not even this year. The Dolphins, would, without question, slam down the phone out of absurdity at the suggestion. The Broncos, accordingly, were the Dolphins bemused enough to propose something like this, would be rushing to the NFL office to finalize the trade before the Dolphins woke up out of their daze.
Especially considering the one quarterback that Payton had fantastic, decade plus long success with – Drew Brees – was very much in the same archetype as Tua: undersized, good character traits, and highly accurate – although whether Tagovailoa can and will match Brees’ pedigree and legacy remains to be seen.
And finally, the Bears. Many Chicago fans will be slighted at the fact that Cummings suggests that Justin Fields would be traded for a little more than a third round pick in 2025 – something resembling a mid-late 3rd rounder in this year’s draft.
However, realistically, that is about what Fields is worth. He has not shown he is a reliable passer in either Matt Nagy or Luke Getsy’s offense, and the good moments he has demonstrated are rarely for periods longer a game or two. He still, no doubt, has the opportunity to be a good quarterback, but for people who believe that Fields will command a 1st or early 2nd round pick in 2024 better keep dreaming.
