Locked On Broncos - Daily Podcast On The Denver Broncos - SHIFT: Denver Broncos George Paton THROWING SMOKE Around Linebacker Position

Starting point is 00:00:00 Debra Broncos general manager, George Payton, says that they would like Justin Sternat and Alex Sing with the back. But is that GM speak? Could the Broncos be looking at a fresh crop of young players in this year's NFL draft? You are Locked on Broncos. Your daily Denver Broncos podcast. Part of the Locked on Podcast Network, your team every day. Hey, hey, hey, what's up, Broncos? Welcome into another episode, Lockdown Broncos, your daily Denver Broncos podcast.

Starting point is 00:00:30 Part of the Lockdown Podcast Network, the number one sports podcast network in the country. Thank you so much all the every dares out there in Broncos country. Thank you for tuning in, making us your first listen, however you choose to do so. On today's episode of the show, we're going to talk about George Payton addressing the linebacker position, identifying it as one of the key needs for the team this offseason, even giving some credence to the thought of a return for Justin Sternat and Alex Singleton, while also looking at this year's crop of young guys in the NFL draft. On top of that, both Sean Payton and George Payton emphasized how important the trenches are on the offensive line,

Starting point is 00:01:04 defensive line and that could be an area where they focus in as a need. And whether or not J-Quam Macmillan will return to the mix here for the team this season or if some teams will call about his potential status. You'll get all that here on today's episode of the show. I'm Cody Rourke credentialed Broncos reporter for Mile High Sports, joined as always by Sarah Bedinger site expert at predominantly orange.com here. Sarah, obviously a lot of great tidbits coming out of the NFL Combine. We all highlighted Davis Webb taking over play, calling responsibilities,

Starting point is 00:01:33 and yesterday's show for anybody that. missed out on that. Make sure you go check that out and share your thoughts on that. But we heard from Sean Payton. We heard from George Payton. And for George specifically, I think there were a lot of great tidbits about maybe where they viewed this roster. And I'm also curious for your thoughts because I think a lot of the speak that we've heard from both Sean and George, it seemed very strategic this year in a sense of trying to make us think one way, but maybe they may be going another. I'll dive in that here in a little bit. But let's talk about linebackers. Obviously, this year's draft class

Starting point is 00:02:02 is anticipated and viewed by many as being very strong in terms of impact players, depth players. Also, Denver's got a dilemma here between Alex Singleton and Justin Sternad. Yeah, they do. And George Payton made it very clear that they would like to have Alex and Justin back. Although, to your point, Cody, I mean, you never know when you're just saying something to the media to kind of make people think that. But here's what George said on the record. He said, we'd love to have those guys back. We'd love to have them back regardless of what's in the draft.

Starting point is 00:02:30 we see those guys as Broncos. If we let those guys leave, what are we doing? I mean, to me, Cody, that's an interesting statement for him to make about those two guys because they are two pretty long tenured players for the Broncos at this point. I mean, Justin Sernad was obviously selected by the team back in 2020. I think it was out of Wake Forest. And then Alex Singleton was part of an off-season hall way back when. I can't remember if it was 21 or 22, but I mean, he was not 22.

Starting point is 00:03:00 when he was brought in. So these two guys have been around for a while. They both predate even Sean Payton on this team. And so it's fascinating to me. George knows these guys very well. And he said it too. When it comes to drafting linebackers, it is a tough position to transition to at the NFL level.

Starting point is 00:03:19 He said especially with some of the things we do and meaning defensively. And we heard Dre Greenlaw, you know, indirectly not related to what George said here, but he confirmed that when he said that learning this defensive scheme was similar to maybe learning Spanish, right? When it comes to just digesting all that Vance asks you to do at that position. So it's understandable that maybe an expectation of a rookie coming in would be something you pump the brakes on if you're George Payton. But also, I don't think a lot of fans, not, I can't say unanimous. It doesn't seem like fans would be very excited about the idea of Singleton and Sternad running it back with this team.

Starting point is 00:03:59 if that's the number one strategy. Yeah, and I think there's a way you can debate this a little bit. I mean, can you bring both back? If you bring both back, we already know Sternad wants to start. Is Alex Singleton going to take a back seat and rotate at linebacker? Is he just kind of that security blanket option? Could the team, like, if they do bring back Singleton and Sternat, I mean, I imagine they would probably move on from Dreg Greenlaw.

Starting point is 00:04:21 And even like George had talked about at the combine, just, you know, the impact that Greenlaw brought to the table when they had him on the field, They liked what they saw on him, even if he didn't play the full set of games throughout last season. So this is very much a smoke and mirrors type of position here for this team right now, not knowing what they want to do. I imagine they would like them back. I also remember George last year when it came to Giovante Williams saying we'd like Javonte back, but what do we end up finding out when the process was all sit and done?

Starting point is 00:04:46 They didn't even make contact with Javante's agent about bringing him back into the mix. So a lot of that just could be posturing a little bit. But I do feel like that line where he said, what are we doing if we don't bring a back. To me, I was like, wait a minute, that one kind of threw me off here. And in terms of what I teased a little bit earlier about like the language that both he and Sean are using when talking about needs, you know how they're angling it now. Well, they're saying, well, you know, we got we got a free agent running back. Like we got running backs who are set to be free.

Starting point is 00:05:13 And we got linebackers who are set to be free. And so for us, those are the needs. It's like, wait a minute, you're only saying that because those guys are free agents versus saying like even if one of those guys were back, like, is this still a need for the team? They're kind of using that as like, yeah, you know, this is a need because these guys you know, they're set the test free agency. It's a little bit of a different approach, but they are, I would say, based on what Sean said, what George said, in sync about that.

Starting point is 00:05:36 I mean, here's where I'm at at this point, Sarah, and I'm curious for your thoughts. I would like to see the Broncos bring back one of those two, right? Singleton or Stern ad. I would like them to still draft in this year's NFL draft, whether it be a first round pick, whether it be a second round pick or a third round pick, get you a linebacker because this room outside of just your starters, it also has to be revamped from a depth standpoint beyond just behind Dre Greenlaw with Drew Sanders entering the last year of his rookie deal and having the injury history that he unfortunately has had. He's not necessarily a guarantee to even make the roster come August. And that's where you have to draft and maybe think a couple years down the road.

Starting point is 00:06:15 And maybe you get this rookie in to play if you draft him on special teams. But there has to be this idea, in my opinion, Sarah, that you are drafting a guy this year regardless of what you do free agency for the future. I think that has to be imperative here. I agree. I think this is too good of a linebacker draft, which George Payton also acknowledged, right, to pass on that position group completely. I just do. I think it's similar to last year at tight end, but the Broncos, they showed us last year.

Starting point is 00:06:42 I mean, they passed on it until taking Caleb Loner, who was on nobody's radar, you know, at the back half of the draft there. So I just, I don't know what their strategy is going to be, Cody, but to your point, if they do bring back one of or both Sternod and Singleton, they have to draft somebody because that's not a long-term plan. Those two guys are, you know, at or over the age of 30 at this point at this coming season anyway. And so it's not a long-term play. And you have to have some sort of long-term plan in mind because what we're going to talk about later on this week is the fact that you kind of have the same needs now that you had last year, linebacker being one of them. And the Drey Greenlaw move,

Starting point is 00:07:23 like although George Peyton talked about the impact that he made in a short amount of time and they felt pleased with what he brought to the table when he was on the field, you know, that's a real situation. They're going to have to address this offseason. So to me, I would be saying, hey,

Starting point is 00:07:39 if it means that you will pass on the likes of Devin Lloyd and Nicobee Dean and and Caden Ellis, who I've gone on record as saying he's one of my top guys in this free agency class, if you're telling me that you're going to pass on all those. guys to maintain continuity just for the sake of continuity. I don't like that. I think if you do bring those two guys back, it has to be with the idea in mind. One of our top three picks is going to be an off-ball linebacker that we believe can start in the near future. I know that's tough like George said, but it has to be with that in mind. And that's not an ultimatum. It's just it's just roster building.

Starting point is 00:08:18 And the malpractice that it is to have only short-term fixes for a defense that is one of the NFL's best, you've got to be making sure that defense stays elite from now on. And I would even argue, too, as much as it's not talked about here for linebacker, I feel like inside backer for this specific defense, I feel like it's one of the most important positions out there in terms of who you have out there. I felt like last year when Dre Greenlaw and Justin Sternad were on the field together and they started that Kansas City Chiefs game, I felt like that was their best linebacking performance of any duo that they had last year.

Starting point is 00:08:53 Alex Singleton, once again, I don't want to sound like I'm diminishing him. He is the heart and soul. He's the guy that plays with his hair on fire. Of course, he has some limitations in terms of past coverage. But I think Alex Singleton is a lot better than people imagine. But the point is you can't just keep running aback with the status quo. Look at what Sean Payton said at his press conference in terms when he decided to give up play calling. We have to do what's in the best interest of the team.

Starting point is 00:09:17 And for that move for Sean to be able to say, hey, I think this is going to make the team better. You have to imagine they're looking at every position across the board on this team saying, hey, we have to get better. We have to do what's necessary to do just that. So I'm very curious to see how they truly address this position in free agency on March 11th and also the NFL draft beginning on April 23rd. There's a lot of action coming up here for your Broncos team in the next month and a half. So Broncos country, make sure you stay dialed in here on the show.

Starting point is 00:09:46 One thing is Sarah and I are going to talk about coming up next is George Payton and Sean Peyton both emphasizing once again how important the trenches are on the offense and defensive line side of the ball here for this team. And could offensive linemen be in the mix for them this off season? We'll look at that. You're on today's episode of the show. Broncos Country, today's episode of the show is brought to you by our friends over there at Indeed, whether it's workplace chaos, it's deadline stacking up. Your inbox is overflowing with emails. And the one position that you have to feel is still sitting open when the pressure on and you need the right hire, this is a job for Indeed,

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Starting point is 00:12:18 Back in 2023, Sean Payton set out to reinvent the Denver Broncos offensive line. And I'd say he did a pretty darn good job of that. But as the cycle of life goes in the NFL, it might be time for the Broncos to reset and invest in that group. Again, it sounds like George Payton and Sean Payton, both in alignment on that based on what they said at their scouting combine pressers. We're going to get into that and much more on today's episode. Locked on Broncos. And thank you to all of you, everydayers out there in Broncos country.

Starting point is 00:12:47 If you're already an everyday listener of the show, Cody and I want to invite you to join the Everydayer All Access Club, the offseason, it does not exist for the Everydayer Club. So join the group chat. You can talk Broncos year round, and you get every episode of the show ad free, plus more exclusive content. So head to the show notes and hit subscribe on that today.

Starting point is 00:13:08 We appreciate you considering supporting the show in that way. Cody, it's really fascinating to me how quickly time flies in the NFL. It was not that long ago. In 2003, Sean Payton's first free agency with the Broncos. I think everybody was pretty shocked to see the investments that were made. I mean, Mike McGlinchy, big money contract, which was highly contested at the time. Ben Powers getting a big money contract as well. We've seen the Broncos invest heavily in the offensive line.

Starting point is 00:13:39 Quinn Miners, getting a contract. Garrett Bulls getting a contract. Luke Wattonberg, now getting a contract. So I don't know that I've ever seen a starting five on the O line that all has big money deals. But that could change in the near future. Ben Powers, final year of his deal. And based on what we heard and just the way that they talked about,

Starting point is 00:14:00 the offensive line, seems like George and Sean are ready to invest in that group once again. And the question is, how are they going to invest? Is it by extending a guy like Ben Powers? Is it moving on, focusing on your in-house guys? Is it going out there and signing a younger, more established free agent, so to speak, do you feel like it's going to provide a boost? Is it position switches for maybe a couple of positions on the interior?

Starting point is 00:14:25 Potentially, could Luke Wattenberg slide over to the left guard position? And could they maybe draft the center? Could they maybe roll with Alex Forsyth as the starter? I think the depth is very important here. And look, I think we saw the Broncos really invest in the undrafted route for at least two guys that I feel like. have developed very nicely so far. Frank Crum emerging in the role that he did, certainly last season,

Starting point is 00:14:46 becoming the eligible tackle that everyone just fell in love with, catching a touchdown pass in the NFL playoffs. Previous to that was Alex Paucheski before Ben Powers injury and Matt Peretz injury kind of thrust him to the lineup where he did well at left guard. They like those two guys, their young depth guys. So the idea, if they're going to go out on free agency, they may get one more depth option, but to me, sir, or even in the draft, it would signal, in my opinion, them going out there and getting

Starting point is 00:15:11 a new starter at one of these positions. Now, I don't think it's going to be tackle. I don't think it's going to be right guard. Obviously, Quinn Miners is that dude. But if Wattenberg shifts to left guard or if they want to get a new left guard, I think that's probably where they're going to focus their efforts at in this situation. Also, would you be shocked if they may be drafted an offensive tackle to eventually take over for Garrett Bulls?

Starting point is 00:15:34 Obviously, mid to late 30s. Mike McGlinchie just turned, what was I think, 32, if I'm not mistaken, 31, 32. Where does Denver go with this situation here, in your opinion, based on what George and Sean have said? Well, I think you start from the inside. You look at your contracts and the guy whose contract situation right now is the most up in the air is obviously Ben Powers. But in today's NFL, you rarely are drafting guys to just be one position only, right? I mean, when it comes to the offensive line, versatility, the more you can do, unless it, unless you're, just an absolute stud at the tackle position.

Starting point is 00:16:15 But even then, I mean, look at Joe Alt. He's already been asked to play both tackles. So he's even him. One of the best tackle prospects to come along in some time has already been asked to do multiple things. I did a bonus episode of mock draft for the Broncos, Cody, my top pick. I would guess surprise most everybody. I picked Chase Besantis, the offensive guard prospect from Texas A&M. And he was my top pick because I feel.

Starting point is 00:16:41 like if you go back and you look like Sean Payton's draft classes with the New Orleans Saints include so many offensive linemen in the first or second round. I mean, it's pretty wild to look back on. And that doesn't mean that they didn't find guys later on. Like Tehran Armstead, I think was like a fifth round pick. And obviously, Zach Streep, who now coaches the Broncos O line. I think he was a seventh rounder. So you can find guys at different junctures, but you, you know what you're looking for on the offensive line. Just like remember Sean said about the quarterback position, he's like, I think we're going to be better at this than everybody else.

Starting point is 00:17:16 We know what we're looking for is essentially what he was saying. And they have that same type of mentality towards the offensive line. And I think that when you know exactly what you're looking for, physical makeup, mental makeup, what you're asking guys to do, it just makes it that much easier to pull the trigger on investing in somebody in the first or second round. So, I mean, you look at some of the comments that they made. I'll start with what George said. He said, you always have to look at your offensive and defensive lines,

Starting point is 00:17:48 especially the offensive line. And here's the interesting comment that he made. He said, what is the age? You don't want them to age at the same time. That to me right there is the comment that I think leads me to believe that you reset the clock at maybe one of these positions. Like you said, McGlinchy over 30, bowls over 30. powers. I think he just turned 30.

Starting point is 00:18:10 So those guys are all getting up there when it comes to age and you've got to reset the clock, especially with a contract running out. Yeah, I think that's an interesting point that you made to. The last offensive lineman that Sean Payton took with a premium pick was back in 2021. Cesar Ruiz was his option

Starting point is 00:18:26 there. This could be the year. I mean, I wouldn't be shocked. I mean, okay, so if you had to guess now, do you think they go younger? Do you think they maybe sign a younger free agent that might be on an expiring deal that they might take a chance on it? Like, there's some guys too that I imagine like, hey, we liked this guy initially years ago. Let's maybe take a chance. I know Mackay Beckton's been talked about, though, I would say I don't think at this point,

Starting point is 00:18:47 Sarah, I would be on board of the McKay Beckton move. Personally, I don't think that would be the needle mover. But if they did it, I could see maybe why. They feel like, hey, we believe anyone can come into this system. And that's another thing about Sean and George and this offensive line is, they say like your O line, it kind of permeates throughout the entire building. They believe that they have an offensive system where guys can come in and develop. To me, it's like, okay, like, you got to take chances on that. I'm not opposed to that. Just as long as not big money deals. Like, if Denver throws maybe a smaller level two-year deal at a veteran that might be available or a younger guy who's set to hit free agency, I view that more as like, hey, this is just like a small

Starting point is 00:19:27 swing. Like, this isn't necessarily a big risk for us, but it has the chance to be a high reward type of thing. I agree with you. I still think they need to probably invest in some, uh, premier depth at the offensive line position. You know, if a guy's not going to come in and feel for Mike McGlenshy here, or even Garrett Bulls at tackle right away for a year or two, maybe year three, maybe that guy steps into a role. Maybe that guy becomes that tackle eligible type of player. I mean, not to up end, but it's like you've got to add competition there,

Starting point is 00:19:53 especially for Frank Crum, who did great with the role. He and Pauchesky did, but you always want to elevate the competition of the room. That's what makes you better. And that's what makes you analyze, like, what is the best fit for us as a team right now. I know George and Sean are thinking about all that. And that to me, I think I'm excited about maybe this development here of the off season. I think if most people look at it and say like offensive line with their first round pick, I think a lot of people be like, oh, that's not necessarily the move.

Starting point is 00:20:18 But that is the type of move. We see teams that are really good in the trenches. They make those moves and ends up paying off for them. So if that means the Bronco is going to be more successful in the run game, which is obviously something that Sean and George both said they have to get better at, more consistency in that department in terms of meat being left. on the bone in the run game this past season. I could see them absolutely embracing this,

Starting point is 00:20:39 especially as they try to evolve their scheme a little bit. So I'm with you there. Broncos country, make sure you let us know your thoughts here on the offensive line and what George and Sean said about those positions specifically in the approach you'd like them to take here in the off season. But coming up next, George Payton shared his thoughts on J-Quan, Macmillan, and obviously is he set to be a restrictive free agent?

Starting point is 00:20:58 Could he get a contract extension? What are the team's plans for him? What would they like to see? You're going to get all that. You know, in today's episode of the show. Today's Lockdown Brockwoods is brought to you by friends over there at Fandu. If you've ever wanted to experience the NBA finals live and in person, well, FanDuel, they're giving you the opportunity to turn that dream into a reality with their NBA sweepstakes,

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Starting point is 00:21:41 Use your profit boost on an NBA future and get entered for your chance to win a trip to the NBA finals. Play your game with Fandu, the official sports betting partner of the NBA. The Denver Broncos would like to see J. Kwan Macmillan back in the mix for them this upcoming season, but there is a chance that they could even receive some trade offers from other teams considering the restrictive free agent status of Macmill. and we'll go through all they here on today's episode show real quick.

Starting point is 00:22:06 I want to say thank you once again, Broncos Country for tuning in, making us your first listen, however you choose to do so. We got you covered literally every day. You get a normal episode. You get a bonus episode. You get exclusive content part of the Every Dare Club. That's in the show notes down below if you want to check that out, which gives you an ad-free version of the show. There's so much to like about the off season because guess what?

Starting point is 00:22:25 The grind never stops. We got you covered every single day all year long. So thank you so much, Broncos Country. Sarah, let's get to Jayquan Macmill. And obviously one of the more important free agents for Denver. Luckily, he's restricted, which gives the team some flexibility. The idea is obviously looking at what he did last season. Such an impact player for them defensively, you can make the argument outside of PS2 and the pass rush.

Starting point is 00:22:47 For example, for J-MAC, the Bronco might not have won several games. They might have lost to the Buffalo Bills, so to speak, in the divisional round of the playoffs. This is a guy who makes clutch plays, big plays. And, man, even though they drafted Jada Baron in the first round last year, that elevated his game to another level. So your thoughts on what George Payton said about Jayquan, who's restricted and even acknowledge the fact that, hey, some teams could call.

Starting point is 00:23:12 Yeah, he called George specifically called Jayquan Macmillan, a core player. And that's one of George's key words that he throws out every so often during the offseason when he's talking about somebody that this team really believes in. So I think that vernacular is really important to remember. But he said, we'll see what we do with them. he said, we're still working through that. We want him here.

Starting point is 00:23:33 Certainly a team could call us. Who knows? He's one of our core players and we love having him here. I mean, he was probably about as noncommittal on Jekwan Macmillan as you can be other than the fact that he called him a core player. So that that whole series of statements that he made right there, Cody, is very interesting to me. And he talked up Jada Baron during his press conference as well.

Starting point is 00:23:56 I mean, talking about the fact that he can play inside and outside that he feels like he's only going to get better. I mean, the interesting thing is when Jadae was drafted, it felt like it was a direct, oh, he's replacing J-Quan-McMillan. Then as well as J-Quan-McMillan played, everyone's now thinking, well, shoot, does Jada Barron even have a role on this team? The tables have effectively turned, but could they turn all the way back? Like when the Broncos now reset this deck, do they look at J-Quan as a more important?

Starting point is 00:24:30 long-term piece, or do they look at Riley Moss as a more important long-term piece? Because are both those guys, are they both going to get extensions? I mean, and if that's not the case, how do you maximize value? I mean, it is such an intriguing discussion point here early in the offseason for a player who just is coming off of a fantastic year and arguably the most clutch play for the Broncos in the last 10 years. I agree. In my opinion, you find a way you agree.

Starting point is 00:25:00 extend Jayquan. Keep him on the team. He is your nickel defender, very good blitzing, obviously off the edge as well for him. Great tackler. Being able to shed blocks. Like how many times have we seen teams try to throw those quick smoke screens or the bubble screens? And all of a sudden, number 29, he breaks it up, tackle for a loss. Jayquan has done that consistently. Core player. That right there is so valuable in today's NFL is having a guy that can play in the nickel, which in my opinion is one of the hardest positions to play. Now, where Jade comes into the mix here is all going back to what you and I have talked about. Throw them out there in a competition with Riley Moss and Chris Abram's drain this offseason.

Starting point is 00:25:39 Let him just compete there, right, and give him more of those opportunities because at the beginning of, I would even say rookie minicamp, and I would even say at times a mandatory minicamp, he was getting a lot of reps on the outside just so he could learn that element. And he can play it. He's played there at college. He could play inside the nickel. He could play a linebacker position for you. He could play safety.

Starting point is 00:25:58 deal. He is this hybrid flexibility type of player. But in my opinion, you don't need him to be all of those things. You just need him to find a place where he can obviously go out and compete. And I think that's why you have him on a rookie deal. He's a first runner. You have a fifth year option down the road. There's no rush right now for Jaday to be this instant starter, so to speak. But put him in a position now where he can compete with Riley, with Chris Abrams, Drain,

Starting point is 00:26:23 and give him that opportunity to maybe compete on the outside. Also, I like the idea, too, that J-Quon can even play outside at the Broncos wanted to as well. If you really want J-Q-Dade to play inside the nickel, J-Quon can go out there and compete. I think J-Quon could win that competition if he's competing for the outside job. He can do that. I think that Denver doesn't have to be in a rush to make any kind of decision about this position specifically. Or even on saying, like, you know, we're going to pass up on J-Quon. We're going to move J-Dade there and he's just going to stay there.

Starting point is 00:26:52 I don't think that would be the wise football move to make for D'Kwon. Denver, considering the impact that J-Kwon has. And I think the question ultimately boils down to, do you prefer getting extra draft capital? If he is, an RFA, what would he go for? What a second round pick, so to speak, is what they'd probably be looking for for him? Do you prioritize that or do you prioritize having a core player, as George said? This is where the dilemma comes in. It is.

Starting point is 00:27:16 Let me throw a hypothetical situation at you here because, you know, sometimes to get something, you've got to give something up, we know the Broncos have a significant connection. to the New York Jets, Darren Mugi, obviously the general manager out there. And I think they're going to be looking to compete. Like, I don't think the Jets view their situation this offseason as like a, hey, you know, we're slow playing this thing. We're going to get to a QB in 2027. Like I think Aaron Glenn's job realistically could be on the line.

Starting point is 00:27:44 So they're going to want to get impact players. Mugi knows J-Quan McMillan. And it sounds like the Jets are going to be applying the non-exclusive tag at, at worst, to running back Breece Hall. So let's just throw this out there. I'm not saying it be a one for one, but how bad do you want Brees Hall? Would you give up J-Quan-McMillan to get Brees Hall in Denver?

Starting point is 00:28:05 Oh, brother, that's tough. You put me on the spot here, man. I know. Dang, stump me here. I'm running into a little bit of like a conflict of interest, like internally. I know. It's tough. On one hand, look, I think getting a guy like Brees Hall would be game changing here.

Starting point is 00:28:22 I also don't want to do wrong by J-Quon by sending him to the J-Quon by sending him to the Jets of all places, right you know and we always hear this organization talking about we want to do right by a player you ain't doing anybody right by sending them to the new york jets he could get paid he could get paid i mean he could get a big bag he could and part of me is wondering like what is jquan's motivation is it to get a bag is it you know he's a great player i think even if he were to leave denver he would go on and no matter where he goes he would go on and have success oh that's tough man that might have to be our question of the day that might have to be our switcheroo here i know what We asked about like first round running back or a vet.

Starting point is 00:28:58 That might have to be our switcheroo here for Friday's bonus episode. Oh, that's tough. I, man, I would hold firm. I would hold firm. I'd keep Jayquan and I'd sign Tyler Auxier, you know, another running back that, you know, isn't necessarily going to get franchise tagged or. And also I'd look in the NFL draft. I don't know.

Starting point is 00:29:17 I'd hold for my. But also, I might be biased a little bit. I'm a defensive back. I played corner. I played nickel. Yeah, that's tough, man. That's a tough one. Where are you leaning?

Starting point is 00:29:26 Let me ask you. Let me flip the script. Where are you leaning with that? Well, I think I would consider it. I really do because you have Jadae, and that's the piece right there that you have to, to me, I try to separate the emotion of like I love Jayquan Macmillan. He just made his huge play in the playoffs, but I've got a first round pick that's got to play. And he's got four years left of team control versus, you know, one year left with J-Quan.

Starting point is 00:29:54 And I have to decide, am I going to extend him? Am I going to extend Riley? What are we going to do? We also have Abrams Drain, who's got two years left. If I could get a game changer for my offense, somebody who could legitimately take our team from being a middling offense to potentially top 10, top five offense. I'm not saying Bruce would do that guaranteed.

Starting point is 00:30:16 But I think I would love to hear from the listeners, too, Cody, on this one. Again, not a one for one. And it might not work out value-wise that way, or maybe it would. But would you give up Jayquan and slot in Jadae into the lineup to get Brees Hall for your offense? Because Brees ain't hitting free agency. He's going to cost something, whether it's a draft pick or two or a player in a pick or a player. I think it's interesting. And right now, I don't know that Jayquan's value could possibly be any higher.

Starting point is 00:30:47 Yeah, that's very high. That's the dilemma. Broncos country, that is our question of the week. make sure you answer that. We'll put out a prompt on the Every Data Club. Also here on YouTube and our community polls, make sure you answer that because then we'll do a bonus episode on that Friday, kind of going over the results and seeing what would be best. Gives me some time to stew on it a little bit here. But with that said, Broncos country, that'll wrap up today's episode of the show.

Starting point is 00:31:10 As always, we appreciate you so much for tuning in rocking with us. We got you covered every single day all year long, no matter what. That's our promise to you here. you get nothing but exclusive Broncos content and coverage. You can't get anywhere else. Nobody does it quite like we do it. And we're very confident in that statement right there. So with that said, tomorrow's episode for all you everydayers,

Starting point is 00:31:30 George Payton, Sean Payton acknowledged the biggest needs here for this team. Was that an indication that they failed last season in addressing those? We'll debate that in tomorrow's episode of the show.

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