Jeff Legwold, a senior writer at ESPN covering the Denver Broncos and NFL, has been reporting on the Broncos for over two decades, having joined ESPN in 2013.
He contributes to NFL draft coverage, offering insights into his annual top 100 prospects. Legwold has been a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame Board of Selectors since 1999 and has attended every scouting combine since 1987.
ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — The primary focus of the Denver Broncos’ offseason revolves around the quarterback situation.
Coach Sean Payton made the decision to bench Russell Wilson with two games remaining in the 2023 season. The Broncos’ commitment to a five-year, $242.6 million contract extension in 2022 now significantly impacts their options moving forward, particularly if Wilson is released, as many in the league anticipate.
Owner/CEO Greg Penner emphasized shortly after the season that while financial considerations are significant, the ultimate decision will be based on what is best for the team’s success on the field.
As the NFL combine approaches, let’s explore the potential quarterback strategies for the Broncos:
1. One more year? Releasing Wilson before free agency would result in an $85 million dead money charge against the Broncos’ salary cap over the next two seasons. General manager George Paton termed this move “extreme,” indicating the team’s readiness for any scenario regarding the salary cap.
2. Trade up in the draft: Trading up to secure a top quarterback prospect would require substantial capital, as demonstrated by recent trades in the league. The Broncos, lacking a first-round pick since 2021, would need to bolster any potential trade offer significantly, potentially impacting the team’s overall talent pool.
3. Sign a veteran QB: With limited financial resources and potential cap hits from releasing Wilson, the Broncos’ options in the free-agent quarterback market may be restricted. While veterans like Gardner Minshew and Sam Darnold could be viable options, questions remain about their performance compared to Wilson.
4. Go with Stidham: Coach Payton turned to Jarrett Stidham for a “spark” towards the end of the season. While Stidham expressed confidence in his abilities, this move could signal the Broncos’ intention to defer a comprehensive quarterback solution to 2025.
5. Draft a prospect and wait-and-see: The Broncos could opt to stay put in the draft and observe how the quarterback landscape unfolds. Whether they select a quarterback in the first round or trade down for additional draft capital remains to be seen, but adding a quarterback prospect seems inevitable, given the team’s needs.
As the offseason progresses, the Broncos will navigate their quarterback dilemma with careful consideration of both immediate and long-term implications.
