Assembling an NFL franchise's success is a complex and often scrutinized endeavor. Few know this better than John Elway, the legendary quarterback-turned-executive who served as the general manager for the Denver Broncos. His decisions during his tenure shaped the trajectory of the team, for better or worse.
Decisions and Outcomes
Elway opted for pass rusher Bradley Chubb with the fifth overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, passing on quarterback Josh Allen. At the time, Elway had high hopes vested in Case Keenum, believing Keenum could steer the team to success. This decision, particularly regarding Allen, remains one of the most debated moves of Elway's tenure.
"Last year I played [golf] with him and I'm wondering, 'How long is it going to take him to realize that I passed on him and took Bradley Chubb instead?' And it took him two and a half holes. And I loved him. But it just didn't work out. He was my type. That was probably my biggest mistake of my GM days, was not taking Josh," Elway reflected.
The Quarterback Carousel
Quarterback stability has been a lingering issue for the Broncos since Peyton Manning's retirement following the 2015 season. The franchise has cycled through 13 different starting quarterbacks, a glaring indicator of instability. This turnover has significantly impacted the team's performance, preventing them from making the playoffs since their Super Bowl triumph in the 2015 season.
Elway had previously drafted Paxton Lynch in 2016, a decision that also failed to yield the desired outcome. Lynch started only four games before his release in 2018, another misstep in the quest for a franchise quarterback. These decisions highlight the challenges and pressures Elway faced in the GM role, striving to find a consistent and effective signal-caller.
Injuries and Trades
Bradley Chubb, the choice over Josh Allen, experienced his own struggles with health during his stint with the Broncos. These persistent issues eventually led to Chubb being traded to the Miami Dolphins, a move that further complicated the evaluation of Elway’s decision-making during the 2018 draft.
Meanwhile, Josh Allen has flourished with the Buffalo Bills, establishing himself as one of the elite quarterbacks in the league. This stark contrast has only intensified the scrutiny on Elway's choice, viewed by many as a significant missed opportunity for the Broncos.
Elway's Tenure and Legacy
John Elway rejoined the Broncos in 2011 as the director of player personnel, later being named executive vice president of football operations in 2012. His tenure saw notable highs and lows. In his first five seasons, Elway boasted an impressive 64-26 record. The latter half of his term, however, saw the team struggle, finishing with a 32-48 record in his final five seasons.
The undeniable peak of Elway's executive career came with the Broncos' Super Bowl 50 victory, a culmination of strategic moves and Manning's leadership. Despite this success, the subsequent years were marred by the revolving door at the quarterback position and missed opportunities in the draft and free agency.
Elway stepped away from his role following the 2020 season, leaving behind a legacy marked by brilliance and blunders. His time with the Broncos will always be remembered for the championship glory and the quest for a franchise quarterback that never quite panned out.