QB Roundup: The latest news and how it affects the Broncos
Mar 3, 2021, 6:35 AM
The NFL is not a quarterback-driven league, it’s a quarterback-desperate league. That’s not going to change anytime soon, especially because there’s only a small handful of real franchise quarterbacks in the NFL.
This offseason is shaping up to be unlike any other. We could see over half the league change quarterbacks and look to new starters. We could see superstar quarterbacks who would once stay with their teams for the entirety of their pro career move on to a new team instead. We could see a record number of quarterbacks go off the board in the top 10 of the 2021 NFL Draft.
Here’s the latest news about the top quarterbacks who are making headlines this week and included is how – if at all – these news items impact the Broncos.
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Optimism Building
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott is reportedly engaging in contract talks with the team that are “more productive than they have been” in previous months, according to a source via Calvin Watkins of the Dallas Morning News.
Broncos Angle: While most Broncos fans want Deshaun Watson, there is a smaller segment who wouldn’t mind if Prescott became available. The Cowboys should’ve gotten this deal done last year, but have the time to make that wrong right. With the start of free agency coming up in two weeks, the clock is ticking on this optimism turning into reality – much to the chagrin of Broncos fans.
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Every Year Occurrence
Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields is “slipping” in the 2021 NFL Draft because teams are concerned about his inability to read defenses, according to Tony Pauline of Pro Football Network. Pauline said that he spoke to an NFL team that said Fields looked off his primary receiver just seven times in 2020.
Broncos Angle: There is a chance that Fields could fall to the Broncos at the No. 9 overall pick. Most mock drafts aren’t reflecting that right now, but if he does slip and others like Trey Lance (North Dakota State) and Mac Jones (Alabama) rise, then the Broncos could be on the clock with a quarterback once thought of as the second-best quarterback in this draft class.
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Bears Checking on Veteran
Washington Football Team quarterback Alex Smith, who is expected to be released at some point before the start of free agency, may potentially receive some interest from the Chicago Bears, according to NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport.
Broncos Angle: Why can’t the Broncos check in on Smith when he’s available? Smith was a perfect mentor for Patrick Mahomes, and he knows the division well from his time with the Kansas City Chiefs. If the Broncos want to get the best out of Lock, they need to have a backup quarterback who can push him and teach him the nuances of the position.
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49ers Checking on Teddy
Carolina Panthers quarterback Teddy Bridgewater has received trade interest from the San Francisco 49ers this offseason per long-time Panthers beat writer Joseph Person.
Broncos Angle: The biggest obstacle to the Broncos getting Watson might be the Panthers. They are clearly moving on from Bridgewater as their starter, and they have players like running back Christian McCaffrey, who could be quite interesting to the Texans. Broncos fans had better watch what the Panthers are doing closely this offseason.
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Wilson Stormed Out
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson stormed out of a meeting before a Thursday night game against the Arizona Cardinals because he felt his ideas on how to fix the offense were being rebuffed, according to a report by The Athletic’s Michael-Shawn Dugar, Mike Sando and Jayson Jenks.
Broncos Angle: There’s not really an angle here for the Broncos because Wilson does not have them on his short list of teams he’d like to be traded to. Wilson has a no-trade clause, so he has all the leverage in this situation, and it seems like the relationship may be fractured beyond repair. If Wilson is dealt, it will likely be before Watson is moved, so that could give a team like the Broncos a blueprint of what it could possible take to land a superstar quarterback.
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No Reunion
Indianapolis Colts impending free-agent quarterback Jacoby Brissett likely will not be a target for the New England Patriots this offseason, in the opinion of The Boston Globe’s Ben Volin.
Broncos Angle: The Broncos are looking for a seasoned veteran with starting experience to push Lock – or replace him as the starter. Brissett has the experience, and he’s certainly a player who could potentially beat out Lock in training camp. While most suggest the Broncos getting Ryan Fitzpatrick or Andy Dalton, perhaps Brissett should be put on the list, as well.
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Big Fines Ahead?
Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson would lose a total of $20.213 million if he holds out for the entirety of the 2021 NFL season, including fines for skipping offseason programs, according to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk.
Broncos Angle: The Texans are telling any teams calling for Watson that he’s off the table. It’s early March, so the team could change their mind. However, there is word coming out of Houston that the Texans do not see the start of free agency or the draft as deadlines to get a deal done. If Watson is traded, and there is still doubt he could be dealt, it may take all the way up to the start of the regular season before it happens. If you’re a Broncos fan who wants Watson (and who doesn’t?) then you must practice patience.
