John Elway gets extension, now called GM
Denver Broncos executive vice president of football operation John Elway on the sidelines prior to Super Bowl XLVIII between the Denver Broncos and the Seattle Seahawks at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Denver Broncos Vice President of Football Operations John Elway certainly had a legendary career in this league, and he’s also forging a name for himself as one of the league’s best executives. He’s done a great job of identifying top talent and bringing those guys to Denver, as he was the architect behind the Broncos success over the past few seasons. Elway played a big role in bringing in huge names like Peyton Manning and Wes Welker to the Broncos, and he also led a stacked front office (the Broncos have some of the league’s best execs, too) to some highly successful drafts to pick up the likes of Malik Jackson and Danny Trevathan. Everywhere you look, you can see Elway’s mark on the team’s roster, and there’s no doubt that he deserves huge praise for his work.
Per an NFL source close to the Denver Post’s Mike Klis, the Broncos have given John Elway a three-year extension, and they also officially added the “GM” role to his title. Elway was always technically the general manager due to his final say on roster decisions, but this further cements his status as the head man in charge. It’s mostly a formality, especially since it came in conjunction with a significant extension, but there’s no doubt that he deserves it nonetheless.
Of course, it’s business as usual for Elway this offseason, as he has to juggle some difficult financial decisions. Can they keep Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie? Who will they try to keep? Who will he sign on offense to replace departed FAs? Those difficult questions are the byproduct of a season of success and a deep roster, and it’s amazing looking at how the team’s depth allowed them to overcome a myriad of tough injuries.
The move isn’t the problem, but the timing is more than just alarming.