The Denver Broncos have some quarterback decisions to make. While the team waits on Peyton Manning to make a decision about his future, interest in Brock Osweiler is growing. The backup quarterback has an expiring contract and could hit the market as a preferred target for several teams. Denver is at risk of losing him if the two sides cannot come to an agreement on a new deal which means they are out a starting quarterback. Could Robert Griffin III step in?
According to Benjamin Allbright of ESPN, the Broncos are discussing the possibility of bringing on Griffin while they chase Osweiler. Allbright reports that if Denver can get Griffin signed to a contract that leaves them enough money to also sign Osweiler, the deal could happen.
The biggest question surrounding Griffin is what kind of contract he will be able to command in free agency. The quarterback is preparing to be released by the Washington Redskins. As a former first-round draft pick, he would be able to command a lot of money, but he sat out all of last season while facing injuries in the previous two which have weakened his value. At this point, Griffin will likely be forced to agree to a short-term contract that offers a team a low risk, high reward situation. No one is going to give the quarterback more than a two-year deal at most.
Griffin has talent and at 26 he could be an ideal pickup for Denver as insurance if Osweiler leaves. He does have a career completion percentage of 64 with 48 touchdowns and 23 interceptions to his name. Chances are slim that Griffin is signed to be the next starting quarterback, but he would be good to have on board should the team lose Osweiler in free agency. Allbright reports that situation would leave Denver with enough money to bring back key free agents like Danny Trevathan and Malik Jackson.
If the Broncos lose Osweiler, they have issues. The team could try to chase Sam Bradford. With their offensive weapons, they are an ideal landing spot for the quarterback. They could also look to the NFL Draft. The problem is Denver will not draft early enough to make a move on players like Carson Wentz, Jared Goff or Paxton Lynch. That limits them even further.
The Broncos could explore trade options. Quarterbacks like Nick Foles, Mike Glennon and Zach Mettenberger might be available along with Jimmy Garoppolo. They all have starting experience and if Denver does not want to start from scratch at the position, they could be low-cost options. Right now, general manager John Elway needs to hope he can retain Osweiler because if not then things get tricky.
