Imagine a quarterback who, after a rocky start, defied the odds to lead two different teams to consecutive 14-3 seasons, culminating in a Super Bowl appearance. That’s Sam Darnold’s story—a tale of resilience, second chances, and the Broncos’ what-if moment. But here’s where it gets controversial: Was Denver’s repeated pursuit of Darnold a stroke of genius or a missed opportunity? Let’s dive in.
Long before Darnold became the Seattle Seahawks’ Super Bowl LX quarterback, the Denver Broncos had him in their sights—not once, but twice. First, it was John Elway during the 2018 NFL Draft, then George Paton and Sean Payton in 2024. Both times, they saw potential in a quarterback who, despite early struggles, had the makings of a franchise leader. And this is the part most people miss: Darnold’s journey from a so-called ‘bust’ to a Super Bowl starter is a masterclass in perseverance and coaching.
In 2018, Elway had his eyes on Darnold, then a USC standout, with the No. 5 overall pick. But the New York Jets swooped in at No. 3, leaving Elway to settle for Bradley Chubb—a solid player, but not the game-changer Josh Allen became. Here’s the kicker: Elway later admitted his regret, revealing he’d ignored his instincts about Allen’s potential. ‘I couldn’t get the coaching staff to buy in,’ he said in The Elway Years. ‘That’s the one thing I wish I would have gone with—what I felt was right.’
Fast forward to 2024, and the Broncos, fresh off releasing Russell Wilson, saw Darnold as a ‘bridge’ quarterback. By then, he’d been labeled a bust after three seasons with the Jets and a stint in Carolina. Yet, Paton and Payton believed in his talent and character, convinced they could coach him out of his turnover tendencies. But here’s the twist: Darnold chose the Minnesota Vikings, where Kevin O’Connell’s system—similar to Kyle Shanahan’s, which Darnold thrived in as a 49ers backup—helped him achieve his first 14-3 season in 2024.
The Broncos, meanwhile, traded for Zach Wilson and drafted Bo Nix. Darnold, after a single season with the Vikings, moved to Seattle, signing a three-year, $100.5 million deal. He not only led the Seahawks to a 14-3 record and the NFC’s No. 1 seed but also secured the first two postseason wins of his career. And this is where it gets even more intriguing: Had Nix not suffered a broken ankle in the playoffs, Darnold might have faced the Broncos in Super Bowl LX—the team that pursued him twice but never landed him.
So, was Denver’s interest in Darnold a missed opportunity, or did they dodge a bullet? After all, Darnold’s success came under specific coaching systems, and the Broncos’ current roster might not have been the perfect fit. What do you think? Is Darnold’s story a testament to his resilience, or does it highlight the Broncos’ missteps? Let’s debate in the comments!
