Ex-NFL GM Michael Lombardi dubs Russell Wilson’s trade to the Broncos as ‘worst’ in league’s history

The former GM of the Cleveland Browns believes the Broncos gave up way too much for Russell Wilson.

Ex-NFL GM Michael Lombardi dubs Russell Wilson’s trade to the Broncos as ‘worst’ in league’s history

Michael Lombardi and Russell Wilson (via San Diego-Union Tribune/NFL)

The trade between the Denver Broncos and the Seattle Seahawks that ultimately sent Russell Wilson to the Mile High City in exchange for tight end Noah Fant, Drew Lock, DE Shelby Harris, LT Charles Cross, OLs Boye Mafe and Tyreke Smith, WR Dareke Young, CB Devon Witherspoon, and OL Derick Hall was viewed with a hint of skepticism when it went down. Not to mention the Broncos’ decision to offer Russell Wilson a $245 million contract stretched over five years.

Now, the same trade is right up there as one of the worst in NFL history, at least according to Michael Lombardi, the former GM of the Cleveland Browns. He spoke to TMZ Sports and criticized the manner in which the Broncos structured the Russell Wilson trade.

YouTube video
When you add the contract and the trade, it's the worst of all time.
Michael Lombardi on Russell Wilson’s trade

Oh and as if giving up the aforementioned players was not enough, the Denver Broncos gave future first-round pick and a second-round pick up for Russell Wilson and DE Eyloma Uwazurike.

FS Video

The Denver Broncos made a huge blunder by giving up multiple talented young players in exchange for Russell Wilson

Michael Lombardi compared the Broncos’ move to bring Wilson aboard to that of the Minnesota Vikings’ 1989 trade with the Dallas Cowboys for Herschel Walker, however, he still considered it to be a better contract because “none of those trades had contracts attached to them that impact the salary cap in future years.”

He remains optimistic about Wilson’s future in the NFL despite his time in Denver:

Russell will move on from Denver but his cap problems will remain for two more years.
Michael Lombardi on Russell Wilson’s future
Sean Payton
Sean Payton has been accused of scapegoating Russell Wilson over the Broncos disappointing performance this season. (via Sports Illustrated)

Sean Payton recently announced that the team will be opting to start Jarrett Stidham over their franchise QB. After his announcement, news came out that the team was going to be moving on from Wilson after the conclusion of this season. It was a surprising decision considering the fact that the quarterback has not been at the center of the team’s woes this season, he has played pretty well but he has been struggling across other positions which has ultimately led the team to have a rather difficult season.

In Case You Missed It: