Many Denver Broncos fans are sitting on their thumbs after their team indirectly sending Russell Wilson away to the Pittsburgh Steelers. While it’s clear to them that Sean Payton has a plan when it comes to building this team, uncertainty tends to do things to people.

While it was clear to everyone that they were looking to move on from Wilson, there weren’t really any solid clues on where they would go when it comes to their QB room until they actually sent Wilson away for minimal returns.

As the NFL Draft inches closer, it’s widely believed the Broncos will choose a project QB from the 2024 class. However, the number of QBs they passed on would easily make anyone raise their eyebrows in wonder.

Justin Fields headlines potential QB trades the Denver Broncos ignored in the offseason

Pittsburgh Steelers justin fields
Former Chicago Bears QB Justin Fields. Credit: Getty Images
Jon Heath of Broncos Wire pointed out that they could have gotten Justin Fields if they went ahead and made an offer on him. However, they probably wouldn’t have accepted Wilson since they have the opportunity to take Caleb Williams with the top pick of the draft.Ezoic

The other QBs Sean Payton decided to pass on included Desmond Ridder, Mac Jones, Sam Howell, and Kenny Pickett.

Were the Broncos right in passing over these young quarterbacks?

Atlanta Falcons
Jan 7, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder (9) looks the football for a fumble as New Orleans Saints defensive end Payton Turner (98) recovers it during the second half at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
It’s somewhat understandable why Sean Payton chose to not move for most of these young QBs. After all, all of them have significant issues they need to work on.

Desmond Ridder faded out in his final year with the Atlanta Falcons, and the same thing could be said about Kenny Pickett. Mac Jones may have impressed during his rookie campaign, but he has struggled to follow it up with reliable performances. Sam Howell didn’t manage to make enough an impact in Washington before being shipped off to Seattle.

Meanwhile, Fields has shown glimpses of greatness throughout his three years as a Chicago Bear. While his consistency issues may have turned Payton off from pursuing him, he would have been a great QB for Payton to work with.

It will be interesting to see how the Broncos will approach the draft, because it will give fans an idea whether they will be able to compete in the AFC West in 2024 or not.