It looks like the John Elway era in Denver is over again but in a different way this time around.
The Denver Broncos legend revealed this week that he is no longer under contract with the Broncos in any capacity.
Elway said his contract expired, and the decision was made to “amicably” depart the organization following a meeting with Broncos owner and CEO Greg Penner, via Chris Tomasson of the Denver Gazette.
Here’s what Elway had to say to Broncos reporter Mike Klis about the decision.
“I’ve enjoyed the relationship with the Broncos for a long, long time,’’ Elway said in an interview Tuesday with 9NEWS. “I told Greg I’d be happy to be a resource for him and help in any way that I can. I just wanted the flexibility. They’re in great hands. I still plan on being around to watch and be a resource for Greg or George (Paton) if I can.’’
Elway had been the Broncos’ general manager from 2011 until 2020 before he decided to step aside in favor of George Paton and become president of football operations. Last season, Elway served as an outside consultant to Paton.
During Elway’s tenure, the franchise made the playoffs five times, but those appearances came in his first five seasons with the team. Denver has now gone seven consecutive years without making the postseason. His biggest moment as a GM was the acquisition of Hall of Fame quarterback Peyton Manning after he left the Indianapolis Colts. Under the hall-of-fame QB, the Broncos won four AFC West titles and reached the Super Bowl twice, including beating the Carolina Panthers in Super Bowl 50
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Since his departure, the team has been unable to make it back to the playoffs or find a proper replacement for Manning. They have cycled through the likes of Trevor Siemian, Case Keenum, Joe Flacco, and Teddy Bridgewater since Manning stepped away from the game.
The draft hasn’t worked as they spent a first-round pick on Paxton Lynch and a second-round pick on Drew Lock under Elway, neither of whom worked out. Most recently, the team acquired Russell Wilson from the Seattle Seahawks last offseason for a huge package of draft picks and players. They gave him a huge contract and proceeded to have his worst NFL season en route to Denver finishing 5-12.
The team now has new ownership and a new head coach Sean Payton.
