The days of Peyton Manning have come and gone. The Denver Broncos have been down for a few years now and it is because of their inability to find their franchise quarterback. This offseason, Denver has been linked to some big names and they could go in many directions to find that solid option under center.
It was yet another year without the postseason for the Broncos. There have been some failed experiments under center including Drew Lock, who barely looks like a back up at this point in his career. Teddy Bridgewater was brought to town last offseason but is clearly not the long-term solution at the position.
This is not an easy situation for Denver. They remain in a conference with the Kansas City Chiefs, who are the class of the AFC to this point. The Las Vegas raiders improved and will continue to take the next steps with Derek Carr. The Los Angeles Chargers drafted Justin Herbert and he is clearly a franchise quarterback. This leaves Denver as the only team in the division struggling to figure it out.
At this point, the Broncos remain an intriguing destination for quarterbacks because of its young talent and strong defense. Jerry Jeudy and Noah Fant would benefit from better quarterback play. Despite trading away Von Miller, the defense remained as one of the best in the league.
When thinking about potential quarterbacks that the Broncos would target, there are a few that stick out right away. Let’s take a closer look at three potential options that John Elway and the Broncos could be after this offseason.
3. Kirk Cousins
This might not be an option that excites fans but it is time to stop the hate with Kirk Cousins. His contract might be high but Cousins has put up numbers over the last few years in Minnesota that are comparable with any other quarterback in the top 10.
Cousins is criticized because he makes a bonehead play every now and then and he has been unable to win. There are only a handful of quarterbacks, maybe two or three, they can be relied upon not to make a mistake down the stretch of a game. As for his lack of winning in the postseason, he has been part of incomplete teams in both Washington and Minnesota over the course of his career.
Cousins led a strong offense during his time in Washington, back when Sean McVay was the offensive coordinator, but the team struggled defensively. This is the same now with the Vikings, who have Dalvin Cook and Justin Jefferson leading the skill positions. Denver has displayed a strong run game with some up-and-coming receivers. Pair that with an elite defense, and Cousins could get this team back to the playoffs.
This is more of a contract-based opinion from many rather than a factual-based one. Cousins might not be a top-five quarterback in the league but he is a veteran who can still play the game at a high-level. He would be a nice addition for the Broncos.
2. Carson Strong
There are more options in trades this offseason then there will be in free agency. If Denver decides to forgo both options and rebuild to the draft, Carson Strong could be an under-the-radar name to watch.
This is not a quarterback heavy draft so the Broncos should not reach for one in the top 10. Strong will likely be available in the second round and this will be great value for a quarterback who ran a pro scheme in college. Strong displayed an incredible arm and IQ for the game. He put up big numbers with Nevada with plenty of action at the line of scrimmage.
The kicker with drafting Strong is that he might not be ready to start right away. This could be a situation where the Broncos look for a veteran option on the cheap for one year before strong steps in. If he comes out and impresses in camp, which is possible given his ceiling, then this point would be mute.
Denver has a chance to draft a lineman or linebacker with their first pick of the draft. It should not be wasted on a quarterback and that is why the second round is key for the Broncos.
1. Aaron Rodgers
This is the clear and obvious choice. Realistically, most teams in the league would give it all up for Aaron Rodgers right now. He has a chance to win back-to-back MVP awards on his way out of Green Bay.
The bomb was dropped prior to the 2020 NFL Draft that Rogers might want to be traded out of Green Bay. Nothing happened at that point but he was a link to many West Coast teams, including the Broncos. If there is any move Denver should push for, this is it.
We saw Elway work his magic when he lured Manning to town after he was released by the Indianapolis Colts. This would have to be a trade for a Denver Gives up some draft capital and potential he impact performers but having No. 12 under center would make up for the losses. This will immediately turn the Broncos into contenders in the AFC.
It goes without saying that the Broncos should be in on Rogers if he is truly up for grabs. That is yet to be seen but there could be some fireworks after the Super Bowl if he is available.
