Broncos, GM Part Ways: What Does It Mean For The AFC West?

The Denver Broncos have parted ways with GM Brian Xanders.

Anders has been with the team since 2008 when he was the assistant GM. He never really got a chance in Denver. The team gave full control of personnel moves to Josh McDaniels when he was hired and then to John Elway when he was hired. How much or little that Xanders did during his time as GM is somewhat of a mystery.

The Broncos and Xanders are claiming the parting is mutual. This makes sense. Xanders wants to get another job and getting fired or bad-mouthing your former employer is not the way to go about it. Elway wants to be in full control so he is getting his wish as well.

As Chiefs fans we can only hope this spells dysfunction within the Broncos organization. Personally, I think Elway has done a good job in Denver up until this last draft. I’m not a fan of what the Broncos did at all and I feel like Elway missed a chance to plug holes on a roster with plenty of them in favor of drafting a backup QB in the second round.

My hope is that Elway was leaning heavily on Xanders for advice over the last year and that this year, he felt confident enough to start ignoring his GM’s advice. That is pure speculation but it would explain Denver’s strange drafting strategy this year.

Most folks assume Elway was already calling all the shots anyway so there doesn’t seem to be much of a feeling that Xanders’ departure will have much of an impact in Denver. Still, there are very few instances when a team’s success is credited to just one person. Building a franchise is a team effort between the GM, his scouts and his coaches. Elway had no experience when the Broncos brought him on board to run the team. Even after a couple of drafts, Elway is still fairly green. If he’s not ready to be fully on his own, it could change the future of the AFC West.

Either way, Denver is now fully Elway’s ship.

Let’s hope it sinks.