Back in The QB Market

The Denver Broncos have been a championship organization.  The first of the franchise championships featured a solid defense, strong running game and a Hall of Fame veteran quarterback in John Elway.  The most recent Super Bowl win featured much of the same with Hall of Famer to be Peyton Manning at quarterback.

Since the retirement of Manning, the Broncos have maintained one of the strongest defenses in the NFL.  As for the quarterback position, the Broncos have been left with more questions than production.

Former 7th round pick Trevor Siemian was the first quarterback to get his shot under center in recent years.  His career has been defined by inconsistent play and injuries.  The Broncos also traded up into the first round to select Paxton Lynch in the 2016 NFL Draft, which his career so far has demonstrated play which has resulted in a career 76.7 QB rating.  

This offseason the Denver Broncos are back in the market of finding their next starting quarterback.  Team executive John Elway has made the finding of a franchise quarterback the most important goal for the 2018 offseason.  Holding a top five pick in the 2018 NFL Draft has the team looking into all of the top quarterbacks in the draft.  But the possibility of also adding a veteran starter who can immediately improve the position is also on the table.  Perhaps both the draft and free agency will both be used to add current and future quarterbacks to the roster.

With one of the best defenses in the NFL, the Broncos need to find a signal caller to give the team an opportunity to win each Sunday.  The Broncos have enough play makers remaining on the roster to be a playoff contender sooner rather than later.  But without better quarterback play, the team is basically stuck in the mud of NFL mediocrity.

Elway has had success in the past in luring a veteran quarterback to his franchise.  2018 will present another opportunity to do so.

Offensive Ranking: 17th

Defensive Ranking: 3rd

Key Free Agents:  

Jamaal Charles - RB - Carried the ball just 69 times this past season.  But recorded 4.3 yards per carry and should sign with another team this offseason.  Provides a veteran presence to a backfield with the ability to start if needed. 

Virgil Green - TE - Dependable backup tight end who provides a security blanket for Denver with his athletic play.

Todd Davis - LB - The 25 year old linebacker recorded 82 tackles last season.  Davis provides a steady level of play.

Jared Crick - DE - The solid end has been a dependable piece to be available on game day for all five seasons of his NFL career, missing just one game.  Recorded three sacks last season.

Cody Latimer - WR - Recorded just 16 catches for 227 yards and a touchdown in 2017.  But Latimer is also one of the best special teams players in the NFL.  His value comes as a special teams ace who can also contribute to the offense when needed.

Potential Cuts/Restructures:  

Aquib Talib - CB - The 32 year old corner will be traded if he is not eventually cut by the Broncos.  There will be a market for his services, but he will sign at a lower cap figure than he currently represents on the Broncos roster.  Cap savings: $11M

Demaryius Thomas - WR - Had an average season in part due to the questionable play at quarterback for the Broncos.  Thomas has a $4M option for 2018 that could be voided, making him a free agent.  Cap savings: $8.5M