Broncos Free Agency Primer: Three Tiers of QB Options
The Denver Broncos will likely be selective in free agency in 2024 after having spent a lot in 2023. The Broncos' current cap issues mean that the team must get that situation in order first, which means their likely to sit out the first wave of free agency.
But it's still a good idea for Broncos fans to get familiar with the pending unrestricted free agents at each position. We're going to examine the most notable free agents over the coming weeks.
With each installment, we'll look at who the top free agents would be at each position, then look at the next best options after that. We'll wrap up with other notable names and then consider who the Broncos are most likely in a position to pursue.
Our first installment will cover the quarterbacks, a position that will certainly be on the minds of Broncos' fans given the uncertainty of Russell Wilson's future with the team.
Top three options: Kirk Cousins, Baker Mayfield & Ryan Tannehill
The three best free-agent quarterbacks all have plenty of starting experience. At least two of them are likely to seek big contracts in free agency.
Cousins' season may have ended early because of a torn Achilles tendon, but he's expected to seek a significant sum. He will likely price himself out of the Broncos' range.
Mayfield had a respectable season and might want to get paid similarly to Daniel Jones. That, too, would put Mayfield out of the Broncos' price range. More importantly, it wouldn't surprise if the Tampa Bay Buccaneers tag or re-sign him.
Tannehill is an interesting case. His best years are behind him, but somebody might believe he's worth starter money. He is an ideal bridge QB but is only likely to join the Broncos if he must take an incentive-laden deal.
Next in line: Gardner Minshew, Jacoby Brissett, & Jameis Winston
These three quarterbacks are all top backup options but can start for multiple games if necessary. This may be the best place for the Broncos to look for a veteran option.
Minshew was respectable for the Indianapolis Colts when he took for an injured Anthony Richardson. Brissett has been solid in the right offense, while Winston is familiar with Sean Payton.
Winston may be the best QB to consider, though Minshew can't be ruled out. However, it won't be a surprise if the Colts try to keep Minshew.
Other notables: Mason Rudolph, Tyrod Taylor, Sam Darnold, Joshua Dobbs, & Drew Lock
Here, you will find solid backup QBs, but not necessarily anyone who should be a starter. Each QB does have something to offer but each has important flaws.
Broncos fans, of course, will remember Lock, who showed promise but never fulfilled it. Dobbs was a feel-good story in the 2023 season, but his success didn't last.
Darnold is a failed first-round pick and, at this point, has to be assumed to be a backup at best. Rudolph and Taylor have started plenty of games but aren't as good as the likes of Minshew and Winston.
Bottom Line
The Broncos are likely not in the running for the top three free-agent QB options, but they could be in play for the next three if they decide to part ways with Wilson.
If that happens, the Broncos need to select a QB at some point in the 2024 NFL draft. The Broncos need to find a younger player who might have starting potential, even if they don't come away with one of the top options.
In the next installment, we'll look at running backs and determine whether or not the Broncos might pursue one in free agency.
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