John Elway: Not Drafting Josh Allen Was Probably ‘Biggest Mistake’ as Broncos GM

Denver Broncos legend John Elway expressed his regret about passing up on quarterback Josh Allen during the 2018 NFL draft when reflecting on his days as the team’s general manager.

“I loved him, but it just didn’t work out,” Elway said about Allen on the Pardon My Take podcast, via Nick Kosmider of The Athletic. “He was my type [of quarterback]. That was probably my biggest mistake of my GM days, not taking Josh.”

Following a Hall of Fame career as the Broncos’ quarterback, Elway served as Denver’s director of player personnel and general manager from 2011 through 2020. The team made the playoffs five times throughout his tenure, including a victory in Super Bowl 50.

The Broncos struggled to find a consistent option under center following Peyton Manning’s retirement, owning the No. 5 overall pick in the 2018 draft. Although Allen was still on the board when Denver was on the clock, Elway and the front office chose defensive end Bradley Chubb instead.

While Chubb has earned two Pro Bowl nods and racked up 39.5 career sacks, the Broncos have still struggled with consistency at the quarterback spot. The defensive end is also no longer in Denver, as he was traded to the Miami Dolphins in 2022.

Meanwhile, Allen has developed into one of the league’s top quarterbacks and has currently led the Buffalo Bills to five straight playoff appearances while owning a record of 63-30 as a starter throughout his career.

The Broncos will be hoping that Bo Nix can finally solve their quarterback issues after selecting the Oregon standout with the No. 12 overall pick in the 2024 draft.