Bo Nix Labeled A Loser After Trade Deadline, But That Could Change

The Denver Broncos didn’t do anything to help Bo Nix on the offensive side of the ball at the trade deadline, which got him labeled one of the losers in many of the post-deadline reports. But Sean Keeler of the Denver Post thinks that could change to the point where Nix could wind up being one of the big winners. 

So how would this happen? Keeler used the timeless “follow the money" argument, saying that the Broncos saved multiple draft picks by not doing a deal in anticipation of an expensive Nix extension. 

The example he used was the trade ask for running back Jonathan Taylor of the Indianapolis Colts, which included multiple draft picks. This is why most potential suitors passed on Taylor, with the New York Giants supposedly pulling an offer of a second-round pick along with a fifth-rounder. 

Keeler considered the straight swap of first-round pick for Taylor to be an equitable deal, but the fact that coach Sean Payton wouldn’t offer multiple picks for the running back means he’s doubling down on Nix. 

The argument’s a bit of a stretch in terms of the draft picks distinction, but there’s no doubt that Payton is doubling down. He’s looking at the track record, which has Nix going Nix is 31-12 in the regular season as the Broncos’ starting quarterback. 

He’s 1-1 as a starter in the postseason, with the loss coming in Nix’s rookie year when he was clearly outmatched. Counting playoff games, Nix has won 17 straight one-score contests, and Payton clearly believes that whatever allows Nix to do this is sustainable.  

If you want to take the argument further, consider the weapons that are at hand and available. Receiver Jaylen Waddle has underachieved so far, and so has his running mate, Courtland Sutton. 

Tight end Evan Engram is the third receiving target who’s on track to have career lows at his current pace, so it’s more than reasonable to believe that at least one of the three can be turned around in the second half. 

The Broncos also believe they have the catalyst to help do this in Jonah Coleman. He’s showing the explosiveness Denver was hoping for when they drafted him, and there are signs that the Broncos offense could be better in the second half. Payton is betting a lot on this, but it would certainly turn Nix into a long-term winner if it happens.