7 QBs Broncos could target to upgrade the backup spot & replace Hogan

With the NFL's final cut-down day coming, the Broncos don't have to settle for Kevin Hogan as the veteran fail-safe with Drew Lock injured.

With second-round pick Drew Lock expected to miss time with a thumb injury, the Denver Broncos will have to take a close look at what to do at the backup quarterback position.

The Broncos did sign Kevin Hogan to a one-year deal, after declining to tender him as a restricted free agent, but he has been inconsistent this preseason. One play, he looks like a solid backup, and the next play, he looks like somebody who is fighting for a practice squad spot.

It's easy to think that the Broncos will just go with Brett Rypien as the third QB on the roster, but Broncos fans need to stop fooling themselves. Rypien hasn't taken a snap since the Hall of Fame Game. 

That's not because the Broncos think he's too talented to expose to other teams — if they really thought he was a worthy candidate to make the 53-man roster, they would play him more often to see how he improves, just as they have been doing with Lock.

In reality, if the Broncos are going to want to find a better option than Hogan for the third quarterback on the roster — one who can at least be the backup — they are going to look elsewhere.

I looked at some of the teams who have more than three quarterbacks on the roster to figure out if somebody might become available who could be an upgrade over Hogan. I didn't include teams with three QBs because, if they choose to go with two QBs, it's more likely the other QB is practice squad material rather than a worthy backup.

Let's look at some of the options who might become available.

Kyle Sloter, Minnesota Vikings

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Sloter became a favorite among Broncos fans in 2017 when he showed promise that preseason. The Broncos waived him, he cleared waivers and the team wanted to add him to the practice squad. However, when the Broncos brought in Brock Osweiler to be a veteran backup, Sloter opted to sign with the Minnesota Vikings' practice squad.

Sloter has spent his time with the Vikings as the third quarterback. He was in line to become the backup after the Vikings opted not to re-sign Trevor Siemian (who the Vikings acquired in a trade with the Broncos last season). However, the Vikings went out and signed Sean Mannion in free agency.

Despite Sloter playing well in the preseason, it doesn't sound like the Vikings are convinced he can be the backup. If they were to let Sloter go, he is somebody the Broncos should consider claiming on waivers.

Of course, it comes with a caveat — if the Broncos did acquire Sloter, fans would have to remember that he will be a backup. He's not going to be competing with Drew Lock in the future to be the starter.

So support the idea of the Broncos replacing Hogan with Sloter should the opportunity present itself. Just don't expect it to be anything more than that.

Cardale Jones, Los Angeles Chargers

The Chargers acquired Cardale Jones in a trade with the Buffalo Bills in 2017. He played in one game for the Bills in 2016 and his inexperience showed.

He spent the 2017 season on the roster, but was waived in 2018 and added to the practice squad. This past offseason, the Chargers added Tyrod Taylor in free agency to be the backup QB — a sign they aren't convinced Jones can be the backup.

However, I wouldn't rule Jones out as an option to replace Hogan. At the very least, he could be a decent upgrade and be able to serve as the backup until Lock is cleared to play.

Joshua Dobbs/Mason Rudolph, Pittsburgh Steelers

Joshua Dobbs and Mason Rudolph are competing to be the backup quarterback to Ben Roethlisberger. Dobbs has some regular-season experience, having stepped in last season when Roethlisberger was hurt, while Rudolph has never played a regular-season game.

There's a chance the Steelers could keep both on the active roster, given that their other option is rookie Delvin Hodges. But if the Steelers decided to move on from either Dobbs or Rudolph, either one could represent a slight upgrade over Hogan.

I think the Broncos should keep an eye on both Steelers QBs and consider making a waiver claim if either one is let go.

DeShone Kizer, Green Bay Packers

The Packers acquired Kizer in a trade last year with the Cleveland Browns and designated him the backup to Aaron Rodgers.

One would think he has the inside track on being the Packers' backup, but the Packers seem to like what Tim Boyle has to offer as a backup. That may mean the Packers move on from Kizer.

Kizer was dealt a bad situation when the Browns drafted him — the head coach at the time, Hue Jackson, didn't want him. But despite his struggles, he's still a better option than Kevin Hogan.

It's not guaranteed that the Packers waive Kizer, but should that happen, he should go on the list of backup QBs the Broncos consider.

C.J. Beathard/Nick Mullens, San Francisco 49ers

Let me make one thing clear: Broncos fans who thought the team should have traded for Nick Mullens this offseason were falling in love with him too much. He really wasn't worth acquiring him in a trade.

On the other hand, if he or C.J. Beathard were waived, that would be a different situation.

I don't think it's a given that the Niners will let one or the other go — they could be convinced to keep both around, knowing they are both familiar with Kyle Shanahan's offense.

But if the Niners did waive one, the Broncos could consider a waiver claim for that QB as a slight upgrade over Kevin Hogan.

Just don't give up a draft pick for either one — or for any of these players. Better to keep your draft picks and just see how cuts and waivers play out.

Follow Bob on Twitter @BobMorrisSports.