Report: Broncos May Acquire 'Top-Tier QB' if Paton Lands GM Job
A new, incoming general manager, regardless of who it is, does not spell great news for incumbent Denver Broncos quarterback Drew Lock, to whom his boss would hold no loyalty.
But if George Paton is tapped as John Elway's successor, it could be especially ominous for Lock's future in orange and blue.
Citing his acquisitional history with the Minnesota Vikings, which includes former failed Denver experiment Case Keenum, 9News' Mike Klis speculated that Paton "may make run for top tier QB" assuming he's chosen over fellow candidates Terry Fontenot and Champ Kelly.
"Keenum had great year leading MIN to 2017 NFC Championship; only for MIN to sign Cousins. Prior, Vikes traded 1st, 4th-rd picks for Bradford," Klis wrote in a string of tweets on Tuesday.
"Spielman-Paton era also included a last hurrah for Brett Favre, who did have one last great year in him in 2009, Matt Cassel and Gus Frerotte," he added.
But ...
"Not that Drew Lock should pack his bags," Klis allowed. "Vikings did go with young, top-round draft picks in Tarvaris Jackson (2007), Christian Ponder (2011-12) and Teddy Bridgewater (2014-15). So like the Broncos, Spielman-Paton Vikings have tried different ways to chase a QB."
Paton, who just wrapped up his 14th season in Minnesota, does seem to gravitate toward veteran signal-callers. The assistant GM to Rick Spielman, he was among the brain trust who signed off on Kirk Cousins' fully-guaranteed, three-year, $90 million free-agent deal in 2018 — unprecedented at the time. Cousins re-upped with the organization last March, agreeing to a two-year, $66 million extension, also fully guaranteed.
Cousins threw for 4,265 yards, 35 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions in 2020, his first season under now-former offensive coordinator (and Broncos head coach) Gary Kubiak, who announced his retirement last week. Cousins is far from the biggest issue in Minnesota, but he wasn't good enough to propel the 7-9 club to a winning record, nor a playoff berth.
Lock's stat line, of course, is much less impressive. The 24-year-old completed 57.3% of his passes for 2,933 yards, 16 TDs, and 15 INTs across 13 starts. Lock was inconsistent and turnover-prone but showed flashes of brilliance in the second half of the season, and saved arguably his best for last in Denver's season finale: 25-of-41 for 339 yards, two TDs, and zero picks.
Whether the Broncos continue on their course with Lock — and "continuity" isn't merely a buzzword in Dove Valley — or they set out to find his replacement — and the club goes against the NFL grain — will shape both the short- and long-term future of everyone involved.
Paton flew to Denver on Tuesday to tour the facility and undergo a second interview with the Broncos' hiring contingent (Elway, HC Vic Fangio, CEO Joe Ellis, PR chief Patrick Smyth). He's considered the frontrunner, though the team also spoke virtually with New Orleans Saints director of pro scouting Terry Fontenot for a second time, as well.
NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported that "if Paton is the guy, this could all go down quickly." Other media reports have indicated that a decision on the Broncos' next GM is anticipated by Wednesday.
Follow Zack on Twitter @KelbermanNFL and @MileHighHuddle
