The Russell Wilson experiment is mercifully over for the Denver Broncos, and they’re back to the familiar position of looking for a long-term quarterback.

This week, they acquired Zach Wilson, who was the No. 2 pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, but it is foolish to think he will be the answer for them.

Denver will have the No. 12 pick in this week’s draft, and as reported by Zac Stevens, there is mutual interest between the team and J.J. McCarthy from the University of Michigan, per team legend Peyton Manning.

Peyton Manning told @bstokley14 & @JoshuaDover the Broncos are “very interested” in J.J. McCarthy and that McCarthy would want to come to Denver.

(Via @DenverSportsCom)

— Zac Stevens (@ZacStevensDNVR) April 23, 2024

McCarthy has been arguably the most talked about draft prospect in recent weeks, and there has been speculation that he could go in one of the first five or even first three picks on Thursday.

At the same time, all this talk has made him somewhat polarizing, as some point to his modest stats and usage with the Wolverines to assert that he’s nothing more than overrated.

However, McCarthy did help lead the Wolverines to a win in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game in January, and that is something that cannot be overlooked or understated.

Ever since Peyton Manning retired following Super Bowl 50, the Broncos have been in the wilderness when it has come to their search for a legitimate QB, and the Wilson experiment set them back a number of years, especially considering the draft capital they gave up to get him two years ago.

Fans in Colorado have grown impatient while waiting for the team to become competitive again, but this year’s draft could be a great opportunity for them to take a real step forward.

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