Offseason headlines: Denver stayed in the news during the 6 months since last game
The Broncos haven’t played a game since losing to Kansas City on Jan. 8, but they have consistently been in the headlines during the offseason, which officially concludes Tuesday when the roster reports to training camp. Here is a recap of the last 6 1/ 2 months with the original Denver Post headlines:
“Fangio fired after three seasons”
What happened: Coach Vic Fangio was fired a day after the Broncos finished the season 7- 10 ( after starting 3- 0). Fangio went 19- 30 in three years and the offense finished 28th, 28th and 23rd in points scored.
What it meant: The Broncos started a search for their fifth coach in nine years and the first led by general manager George Paton, who was hired to replace John Elway in January 2021. It was time to start over with a new coach.
“Broncos hire Hackett as coach”
What happened: A nearly three- week search that saw general manager George Paton and his committee crisscross the country ended on the morning of Jan. 27 when he agreed to terms with Green Bay Packers offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett to replace Fangio. Hackett was interviewed by the Broncos on Jan. 14 ( in Green Bay), Jan. 24 ( Broncos facility) and Jan. 25 ( Zoom with Paton). “I feel like this is a dream right now,” Hackett said at his introductory news conference. “This is absolutely unbelievable to be up here in front of everybody. To say that I’m excited would be a massive understatement.”
What it meant: Hackett, who was one of 10 candidates interviewed by the Broncos, represented the opposite of Fangio. Nineteen years Fangio’s junior, the 42year old Hackett said he would call the offensive plays ( Fangio called the defensive plays). The common themes between Hackett and Fangio? They joined the Broncos as first- time head coaches and neither had clarity at quarterback … but stay tuned.
“Broncos officially for sale”
What happened: On Feb. 1, the long- awaited and expected announcement that the Broncos were up for sale became official when president/ CEO Joe Ellis made it official. At the time, the NFL record sale price was $ 2.275 billion for the Carolina Panthers. Ellis anticipates a new owner in place by the start of the regular season.
What it meant: This end- game move became inevitable more than two years before when Ellis said Bowlen sibling support would be required for a family member to replace Pat Bowlen, who bought a majority interest in the team for $ 78 million in 1984. Under the Bowlen flag, the Broncos won all three of their Super Bowl championships.
“Blockbuster”
What happened: The Broncos acquired quarterback Russell Wilson and a ’ 22 fourth- round draft pick from the Seattle Seahawks for a package of three players ( quarterback Drew Lock, tight end Noah Fant and defensive end Shelby Harris), first- and second- round selections in 202223 and a fifth- round pick in ’ 22.
What it meant: The Broncos re- entered NFL relevancy. Period. Mired in a six- year playoff drought in which they had a different Week 1 starting quarterback each year from 2017- 21, general manager George Paton swung for the figurative fences to acquire Wilson to end a half- decade offensive slumber. Wilson was introduced at a March 16 news conference. “I came here for one reason: That’s to win,” he said.
“Defense getting needed reboot”
What happened: The Broncos’ first big offseason acquisition ( Wilson) was followed by improving the defense. The team re- signed inside linebacker Josey Jewell and signed defensive lineman D. J. Jones from San Francisco and outside linebacker Randy Gregory from Dallas.
What it meant: The Broncos added Gregory to play opposite Bradley Chubb, and Jones to replace Shelby Harris and improve the team’s early- down run defense.
“Empower Field on fire”
What happened: On March 24, black smoke billowed from the East Club Lounge of Empower
Field at Mile High and could be seen from nearby Interstate 25. Twelve luxury suites and a couple of hundred seats were damaged.
What it meant: A week later, at the Annual League Meeting in Palm Beach, Fla., Ellis said it will be a “real challenge” to get the damaged areas ready for the regular season opener in September. The Broncos have insurance to cover any lost revenues due to the fire.
“Making picks, deals”
What happened: Minus a firstround pick, the Broncos were a spectator for the April 28 first round of the NFL draft. On Night 2, they selected Oklahoma outside linebacker Nik Bonitto at No. 47 and then traded down five spots in the third round ( acquiring a 2023 third- rounder from Indianapolis) and added UCLA tight end Greg Dulcich at No. 80.
What it meant: After picking Bonitto, general manager George Paton said — “You just can’t have enough pass rushers.” Bonitto joined the group of Bradley Chubb, Randy Gregory, Baron Browning ( moved from inside linebacker), Malik Reed and Jonathon Cooper. Tight end was a semi- need after trading Noah Fant to Seattle.
“Broncos to play Jaguars in London”
What happened: The NFL granted the requests by the Broncos and Jacksonville Jaguars to play each other at London’s Wembley Stadium. The Jaguars
will be the “home” team and wanted to host the Broncos because of quarterback Russell Wilson. The Broncos wanted to play abroad after their 2020 game against Atlanta in London was moved back to Georgia because of the pandemic.
What it meant: The Broncos will get a well- scheduled bye ( Week 9 of the 18- week season) and play overseas for the first time since October 2010 ( a loss to San Francisco in London). Before traveling overseas, the Broncos will host the New York Jets, making this a must- win two- game stretch.
“Walton- Penner family, Broncos agree on deal”
What happened: On June 7, less than 48 hours after the next round of bids were submitted, the Broncos entered a purchase agreement with the group led by Rob Walton to buy the club for a world sports record price of $ 4.65 billion. Walton is joined by Greg Penner and Carrie WaltonPenner to form the WaltonPenner Family Ownership Group. The family announced that Mellody Hobson, CEO of Ariel Investments, as a shareholder. She was joined a month later by former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.
What it meant: The Broncos, once the Walton- Penner group is approved as owner, will be in a rare financial class among NFL teams. Rob Walton’s net worth at the time of the purchase agreement was $ 62 billion, No. 18 in the world according to Forbes. It also created stadium talk — will the new owners build a new facility or improve Empower Field?