NFL: The best trade in each franchise’s history

Best trade in Denver Broncos history: Acquiring John Elway

Generational quarterbacks don’t just fall from the sky but in the case of the Denver Broncos, one essentially did.

During the 1983 NFL draft, the Baltimore Colts made a no-brainer decision by picking up John Elway. Luckily for the Broncos, they sat back and watched as Elway refused to play for the franchise due to various reasons. Ever the opportunist, the Broncos jumped into the mix and gave up offensive linemen Chris Hinton, quarterback Mark Hermann, and a future first-rounder who eventually turned into Ron Solt.

Herman didn’t last long, he became a career backup and left the team after two seasons. Solt developed into a decent player and was even selected to one Pro Bowl. Hinton became a multiple-time Pro Bowl selection himself. Yet none of those aforementioned players developed into what Elway ultimately became. The Stanford alum played in Denver for 16 years and was a nine-time Pro Bowler, two-time Super Bowl champ, former league MVP, and undoubtedly one of the great signal-callers of all time.

Although he hasn’t stepped on a football field in well over 20 years, Elway still leads the franchise in roughly every statistical category. His 51,475 passing yards is more than 30,000 more than second-place Peyton Manning. His 300 TDs is 160 more than again, Peyton Manning.

Elway may have fallen into their lap unexpectedly in 1983 but the franchise will forever be grateful.