ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- The Denver Broncos open the 2022 NFL regular season at the Seattle Seahawks on Sept. 12 at Lumen Field.
As the Broncos point toward July's training camp, their blockbuster, franchise-altering, AFC West-rocking trade to acquire quarterback Russell Wilson has been at the heart of virtually every move the team has made this offseason. Oh, at least other than the new coaching staff and owner.
This is a team general manager George Paton believed could be shoved back into the playoff conversation -- it hadn't played a postseason game since the Super Bowl 50 win to close out the 2015 season -- with the right player at quarterback. Wilson is that player.
Overall, Paton likes the mix of young talent on offense, such as wide receiver Courtland Sutton and running back Javonte Williams, with some big-play potential in the defensive backfield in cornerback Pat Surtain II, safety Justin Simmons and pass-rushers such as Randy Gregory, Bradley Chubb and rookie Nik Bonitto.
There are plenty of roster decisions still to come, especially along the offensive line where even a former second-team All-Pro selection like left tackle Garett Bolles said "everybody is fighting for a job."
Here's a 53-man roster projection heading into the summer break:
QUARTERBACK (2): Russell Wilson, Josh Johnson
Wilson's has missed only three games in his career -- all last season because of a fractured finger. That durability, along with his experience level and his desire to take as many snaps as possible in practices, makes it unlikely the Broncos would keep three quarterbacks. Coach Nathaniel Hackett has already spoken of the luxury of having a veteran backup like Johnson "who doesn't need a lot of snaps" to stay ready to play.