Broncos’ free agent strategy: Fill needs to keep options open in draft

Denver Broncos general manager George Paton stands at field level before the first half against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 26, 2021.Broncos general manager George Paton was sitting with a reporter in the lobby of a downtown Indianapolis hotel on March 5 when he mentioned his preference to avoid “splash” moves, the kind of addition that has a higher financial cost than on-field impact.

“Unless it’s unique and there are circumstances where you want to spend a lot of money for a great player,” he said.

That unique circumstance came less than 36 hours later when Paton agreed to trade three players and five draft picks to Seattle for quarterback Russell Wilson. The…