Wed, Mar 16, 2022 at 4:00pm

BRONCOS BRING IN RUSSELL WILSON!

The Denver Broncos acquired quarterback Russell Wilson and a fourth-round draft pick in 2022 (No. 116 overall) from the Seattle Seahawks for tight end Noah Fant, quarterback Drew Lock, defensive lineman Shelby Harris, a first-round draft pick in 2022 (No. 9 overall), a first-round draft pick in 2023, a second-round draft pick in 2022 (No. 40 overall), a second-round draft pick in 2023 and a fifth-round draft pick in 2022 (No. 151 overall).

What does it give the Denver Broncos
Wow! The Broncos were clearly the most aggressive team in search of a proven quarterback. There were rumors that they were targeting Aaron Rodgers, but the latter chose to remain in Green Bay. So, Denver GM George Paton turned his attention to Wilson, who is younger than Rodgers and just as proven in terms of leading a team to a Super Bowl. With Wilson now under center, the Broncos have a legitimate shot at challenging Kansas City and the LA Chargers for the AFC West division title. This is a move for the here and now, so it might be Super Bowl or bust for Denver.

What does it give the Seattle Seahawks
For the Seahawks, this deal makes some sense because it was a terrific offer from the Broncos. However, this move leaves Seattle without a quarterback (and with a veteran head coach in Pete Carroll who wants to continue to compete for a championship). Good luck with that. Lock is not the long-term solution under center but Fant and Harris will definitely help Seattle in 2022. The 'Hawks probably felt that they had to collect some draft capital (they were without a first-round pick in '22 prior to this trade), but trading away your franchise QB is tough.

Fantasy impact
Wilson's fantasy stock is on the rise because new Broncos head coach Nathaniel Hackett will likely be able to get the most out of his franchise QB. Unlike Seattle, where Wilson played within the confines of a run-first offense, Denver will likely unleash Wilson's deep passing skills. This is great news for wide receivers Jerry Jeudy, Courtland Sutton, Tim Patrick and KJ Hamler (plus tight end Albert Okwuegbunam). All of those players have more fantasy value now with Wilson in Denver. Conversely, Fant's value takes a massive hit (who will be throwing the ball to him?), while Harris remains a decent but unspectacular IDP option. As for Lock, he is not a recommendable fantasy QB even if he wins the job in Seattle.

Player focus

Denver Broncos

Russell Wilson QB

Draft pick - Round 4 in 2022

Seattle Seahawks

Noah Fant TE

Draft pick - Round 1 in 2022

Draft pick - Round 1 in 2023

Draft pick - Round 2 in 2022

Drew Lock QB

Shelby Harris DE/DT

Draft pick - Round 2 in 2023

Draft pick - Round 5 in 2022