### Broncos Trade Pitch Lands $110 Million Bears Star: A Bold Move for the Future
The NFL offseason is a time for teams to evaluate their current rosters, address their weaknesses, and position themselves for success in the upcoming season. As the 2024 season draws closer, the Denver Broncos find themselves at a crossroads. After a rocky period in the post-Peyton Manning era, the team is seeking to return to relevance in the AFC. With a new regime led by general manager George Paton and head coach Sean Payton, the Broncos are looking to make significant moves that could catapult them back into playoff contention.
In a bold and unexpected move, the Broncos have proposed a trade to the Chicago Bears that would see the acquisition of one of the NFL’s most dynamic and impactful players—a player worth a reported $110 million. This trade pitch, while controversial, could reshape the Broncos’ future for years to come. This article will examine the details of this trade pitch, the implications for both teams, and how this acquisition could elevate the Broncos to new heights.
### The Context: The Denver Broncos’ Struggles and Ambitions
For the Denver Broncos, the 2020s have been a period of uncertainty and disappointment. After the glory days of the Manning era, which included a Super Bowl 50 victory, the team has struggled to find consistent quarterback play. The acquisition of Russell Wilson in 2022 was meant to be the answer, but the results have been underwhelming. Wilson’s performance has been inconsistent, and despite some flashes of brilliance, the Broncos have not been able to get over the hump.
The team’s struggles have not been limited to quarterback play. The Broncos’ offensive line has been a weakness for years, and the team has been unable to develop a consistent running game. Meanwhile, the defense, despite having talent, has not been able to carry the team to victories as it once did.
In 2024, the Broncos find themselves at a crossroads. They are not far removed from a playoff berth, but with a division that includes the Kansas City Chiefs, Los Angeles Chargers, and Las Vegas Raiders, the competition is fierce. The Broncos need to make bold moves if they are to return to playoff contention in the near future.
With the arrival of Sean Payton as head coach, the team has received a much-needed infusion of leadership and structure. Payton has a proven track record of success, most notably with the New Orleans Saints, where he developed an explosive offense and helped guide the team to a Super Bowl victory. His vision for the team has already begun to take shape, and now it is time for the Broncos to make the moves necessary to improve the roster.
### The Trade Pitch: A $110 Million Star from the Chicago Bears
In what would be a blockbuster move, the Denver Broncos have pitched a trade to the Chicago Bears for star linebacker Roquan Smith, who recently signed a five-year, $110 million contract with the Bears. Smith has emerged as one of the most dominant defensive players in the NFL, earning All-Pro honors and being named one of the top linebackers in the league. His ability to cover ground sideline to sideline, make tackles in the open field, and disrupt the passing game has made him a vital piece of Chicago’s defense.
For the Broncos, this trade would represent a massive investment in improving their defense, which has been one of the team’s strengths in recent years. However, with the departure of key veterans and the need for an elite playmaker at linebacker, adding a star like Smith would elevate the defense to a new level.
The proposed trade would see the Broncos sending a combination of draft picks, including a first-round selection, and a few key players to the Bears in exchange for Roquan Smith. While the details of the trade are still being finalized, the core of the deal centers around the Broncos acquiring a proven defensive star in the prime of his career, who can anchor their defense for years to come.
### Why Roquan Smith?
Roquan Smith’s arrival in Denver would address several key issues for the Broncos. Let’s break down why this trade would make sense for the Broncos and how it would impact the team moving forward.
#### 1. **Elite Playmaking Ability**
Roquan Smith is one of the best linebackers in the NFL, and his skill set would immediately improve the Broncos’ defense. Known for his exceptional sideline-to-sideline speed, Smith is an excellent tackler, able to take down ball carriers in open space. He also excels in pass coverage, making him a valuable asset in both run defense and pass defense.
In a division with high-powered offenses like Kansas City and Los Angeles, having a linebacker who can cover ground quickly and disrupt plays would be invaluable. Smith would give the Broncos an enforcer in the middle of their defense who can impact both the running and passing games.
#### 2. **Defensive Leadership and Veteran Presence**
The Broncos’ defense has a solid core of players, but they lack a true leader in the middle of the field. Roquan Smith would fill that role perfectly. His ability to read the offense, make adjustments on the fly, and communicate with his teammates would help bring cohesion to the defense. As an All-Pro linebacker, Smith’s presence would be felt not just in his playmaking ability, but in his leadership and influence on the entire defense.
Smith has played in a variety of defensive schemes during his career, and his versatility would allow him to adapt seamlessly to the Broncos’ defense under defensive coordinator Vance Joseph. His experience and football IQ would allow him to be a difference-maker in high-pressure situations, especially in divisional games that could ultimately determine playoff positioning.
#### 3. **Long-Term Stability**
At just 26 years old, Roquan Smith is in the prime of his career. His age and ability to remain healthy and productive for the foreseeable future make him an attractive addition for the Broncos, who are looking to build a sustainable defense that can compete for years to come. The $110 million contract may seem steep, but it is an investment in a player who can anchor the defense for a decade. With the NFL moving toward a more pass-heavy league, having an elite linebacker who can disrupt both the passing and running game is essential.
For the Broncos, this is a chance to secure a long-term defensive leader who can continue to improve and grow within their system. Smith’s skill set and age align with the Broncos’ timeline, making him an ideal piece to build around as the team looks to return to contention.
#### 4. **Helping the Broncos Compete in the AFC**
The AFC West is one of the most competitive divisions in the NFL, with the Kansas City Chiefs led by Patrick Mahomes and the Los Angeles Chargers boasting one of the league’s most talented rosters. To compete in such a stacked division, the Broncos need to invest in elite talent. By acquiring Roquan Smith, the Broncos would significantly strengthen their defense, making them more competitive against the high-powered offenses of the Chiefs and Chargers.
Additionally, the Broncos’ offense is still in the process of being reshaped under Sean Payton’s guidance. With Russell Wilson’s future uncertain and questions still surrounding the team’s overall offensive production, investing in the defense could be the key to helping the Broncos stay competitive while the offense continues to develop. The Broncos need to win games by playing solid, complementary football, and Smith would give them a centerpiece for a defense that can consistently shut down the league’s best offenses.
### The Chicago Bears’ Perspective: Why Trade Roquan Smith?
From the Bears’ perspective, this trade may come as a surprise, given that Roquan Smith is one of the faces of the franchise. However, the Bears have been undergoing a rebuilding process, and there are several reasons why they may be open to trading their star linebacker.
#### 1. **Rebuilding and Salary Cap Flexibility**
While Roquan Smith is a dynamic player, the Bears are in the midst of a rebuild. They have a young quarterback in Justin Fields and are still in the early stages of constructing a competitive roster. In this context, trading Smith could help the Bears free up salary cap space, which they could use to acquire more pieces to build around Fields and bolster their offensive line and skill positions.
By moving Smith, the Bears could open up financial flexibility to sign key free agents or extend their young core of players. Additionally, the Bears are in position to accumulate more draft capital, which would be essential to their long-term success.
#### 2. **The Value of Draft Capital**
The Bears are a team in flux, and while Smith’s value is undeniable, the return they could receive for a player of his caliber could accelerate their rebuilding process. The draft picks they would acquire from the Broncos in this deal could provide them with the assets needed to add more young talent to their roster. If the Bears can land a first-round pick and other assets in exchange for Smith, they will have the chance to add multiple impactful players who could help them build a contender in the future.
#### 3. **Long-Term Team Building**
The Bears are focused on building a team for the long haul, and as talented as Smith is, his contract could potentially be a luxury they cannot afford given their rebuilding timeline. The opportunity to trade him for a solid package of draft picks would allow the Bears to focus on building depth and strengthening key positions, especially as they look to improve their overall roster to support Justin Fields’ development.
### The Fallout: How the Trade Affects Both Teams
#### **For the Broncos**
The acquisition of Roquan Smith would solidify the Broncos’ defense as one of the strongest in the NFL. With Smith, they would have a superstar linebacker who can make plays all over the field, provide leadership, and help elevate the play of those around him. In a highly competitive AFC West, this move could make the difference between playoff contention and mediocrity. The Broncos would have a dynamic defensive unit that could complement their offensive efforts, even as the offense continues to find its footing.
#### **For the Bears**
For the Bears, trading Roquan Smith would be a bittersweet move. While they would lose one of their best players, they would gain valuable draft assets that could help accelerate their rebuilding process. With Justin Fields as their quarterback and a young core of players, the Bears are positioning themselves for long-term success, and this trade could be the next step in that journey. Moving Smith would free up financial resources that the Bears can use to build around their young star and put themselves in a better position to compete in the NFC North.
### Conclusion: A Bold Move for the Broncos’ Future
The proposed trade for Roquan Smith represents a bold move for the Denver Broncos as they look to return to contention in the AFC. By adding one of the best linebackers in the NFL, the Broncos would significantly improve their defense, helping them compete in the highly competitive AFC West. The trade also represents an investment in long-term stability, as Smith is a player who can anchor the defense for years to come.
For the Bears, while trading Smith may seem like a difficult decision, it aligns with their rebuilding process. The salary cap flexibility and draft capital they would gain from this trade could help them build a team around Justin Fields and accelerate their return to competitiveness.
This trade pitch is a calculated risk, but for the Broncos, it could be the move that propels them back into the upper echelons of the NFL.
