Will the Broncos’ Trend of Veteran QB Success Continue in 2016?

Sep 15, 2013; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) shakes hands with New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) after a game at MetLife Stadium. The Broncos defeated the Giants 41-23. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

No team in the NFL knows quite how to get the most out of veteran quarterbacks like the Denver Broncos.

Throughout most of their history, especially in the last 15 years or so, many older signal-callers have excelled in Denver. Regardless of their advanced age or physical state, these quarterbacks almost always seem to experience great amounts of success with the Broncos.

At the age of 34, Craig Morton arrived in the Mile High City with low expectations and a broken down body. With the help of the vaunted “Orange Crush” defense, Morton guided the Broncos to their first Super Bowl appearance in 1978, the first in franchise history. He finished his five year career in Denver with an overall record of 50 wins to 28 losses.

Many years later in 2003, former Arizona Cardinal Jake Plummer signed with the Broncos in search of a new start away from the desert. Fans couldn’t get enough of Jake “The Snake” as he electrified Broncos Country, and while he may have never been able to get the Broncos to the big game, Plummer, to his credit, brought the magic back to Mile High that had been missing since the days of John Elway.

Even Kyle Orton got in on the fun in 2009 when he was traded from the Chicago Bears to the Broncos. Orton might’ve not lasted long after the rousing 6-0 start to his first season in Denver but he still managed to help the Broncos maintain relevance in the NFL.

As of late, Peyton Manning has carried the unusual trend’s torch in historic fashion since 2012. A Super Bowl appearance, an MVP award, countless broken records and a whopping 40 victories have all highlighted the 39 year-old’s time in Denver.

Alas, nothing can last forever and this trend only continues on because of the shortened professional lifespan of these veterans.

Like the others, Manning will soon retire, which is expected to happen as soon as next year. Could another veteran quarterback be in line to replace him? Let’s take a look at the Broncos’ options.