Broncos need to be serious about Watson

Readers talk and columnist Mark Kiszla responds

Watson vs. Mahomes? Any and all cards should be on the table in the Broncos’ pursuit of Houston quarterback Deshaun Watson. There’s generational — yes, generational — talent on the line. That Super Bowl 50 ring must shine brighter than we thought if John Elway and new general manager George Paton aren’t on the phone. Plus, who wouldn’t want to see Watson vs. Patrick Mahomes two times per year for the next decade?

G.C., inspired thinker

Kiz: If the Broncos cannot get in on the trade action for Watson or are timid to do so, it’s a strong indication Denver has lost the elite swagger John Elway made famous. Maybe you’re old enough to remember when the Broncos operated on the No Plan B principle. Matthew Stafford would be a consolation prize. And Drew Lock? He’s Plan C, at best. This team can do better than Lock. And the Broncos know it.

Elway’s role. Watson is not a free agent. Not sure how the swagger of Elway fits into this equation.

Jonathan, from Jersey

Kiz: Mr. Watson is a smart cookie, carrying the leverage of a notrade clause in his back pocket. So if and when the Texans decide to honor his request to be dealt, the list of teams Watson sees as a good fit becomes immensely important. If he regards the rotten-apple Jets or the done-nothing-lately Dolphins as a better option than Denver, the damage Elway did to this franchise’s reputation during the past five years is bigger than anybody in Colorado imagined.

Ownership matters. Of all the

NFL teams that might chase Watson, I feel the Broncos have the most weapons on offense to offer him. I feel the mess of the team’s ownership group, however, will have Watson looking elsewhere.

Pat Bowlen was a factor in Peyton Manning signing as a free agent in 2012.

Jeromie, sees big picture

Kiz: I hate to be the one to shatter Paton’s delusions of grandeur so early in his tenure with the Broncos. But deep in his heart, does the new GM really believe this franchise is a sleeping giant? Hey, that was probably the truth back in ’12, when Elway was more obsessed with winning a Super Bowl than his next tee time. Right now, throughout the league, the Broncos are viewed with the same pity as a broken-down mule.

Elway to blame. I hate saying this, but Elway’s swagger cost us opportunities to shore up the quarterback position when Manning retired. Bad draft decisions. Poor talent evaluation. And letting the O-line go for so long wasn’t swagger. It was neglect.

Matthew, Louisville, Ky.

Kiz: For all the great moments Elway has provided the Broncos since 1983, he deserved to be fired after this 5-11 season. How it is actually in the best interest of anything except Old No. 7’s ego to kick Elway upstairs? Is that truly what’s best for a team in desperate need of fresh ideas?

Kiz for G.M. And today’s parting shot is something we all can agree upon: The trade of third baseman Nolan Arenado was a new low for the Rockies, even by the team’s lowly standards.

Kiz, you are much more qualified to be the Rockies’ general manager than Jeff Bridich.

Dorothy, speaks truth