2020 Broncos' Season, New General Manager

 



The 2020 Broncos' season is over, so it's time to turn the gauze to the 2021 season, and the future. That began almost immediately after the season as John Elway decided to turn over General Manager duties to focus on being President of Football Operations.

Elway has been maligned the past five years since the Broncos won the Super Bowl. Some free agent moves haven't worked out, some picks haven't panned out and the Broncos haven't made the post-season. But, mostly, it's been the inability to come up with the right solution at quarterback. Denver hoped Drew Lock was that answer, and we may still not totally know the answer to that question since Lock figures to be a part of the Broncos plans in 2021, but it makes sense that Elway is opened up to the idea of getting some new eyes on the player process.

Enter George Paton, the Broncos' new General Manager. Paton spent the last 14 seasons with the Minnesota Vikings, including the last nine years in the role as Assistant General Manager. He's been a heavily sought candidate for a few years, and it's exciting to see him land with the Broncos on a six-year contract.

The Broncos have committed to Vic Fangio and offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur for the 2021 season, so there will be some coaching stability. In addition, the team has a strong young core of players, and with Garrett Bolles finally rounding into a good Left Tackle, and Elway signing him long-term, the Broncos have one obstacle out of the way.

But there is plenty more to be decided this off-season, starting with Justin Simmons. The exceptional young safety played 2020 on the Franchise Tag and excelled, yet again. Signing him should be a top priority. So, too, is evaluating the key pieces, beginning with Lock, as the team looks toward free agency and the draft. I'm excited to see what Paton does in the run up to the new league year officially kicking off in March.

But I also will fondly remember Elway and his work as GM. He was instrumental in bringing in Peyton Manning and the crew that won Super Bowl 50. He came in during a tough time for the Broncos and brought a season of incredible success. That deserves to be remembered, no matter the team's struggles the past five seasons.

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