The Broncos’ agreement to trade for Joe Flacco on Wednesday did several things. It highlighted Denver’s swings and misses in trying to find Peyton Manning’s replacement at quarterback—Paxton Lynch, Case Keenum, et al. It showed urgency to win, with defensive guys Von Miller, Brandon Marshall and Chris Harris all turning 30 between now and September. It opened a window into how the new coaching staff wants to build. And, believe it or not, it gave the team long-term flexibility.
I’m not here to pave over the broken road that John Elway and Co. took to get here.