Denver Broncos rumors: Quarterback options coming into focus

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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JANUARY 13: Nick Foles #9 of the Philadelphia Eagles attempts a pass during the first quarter against the New Orleans Saints in the NFC Divisional Playoff Game at Mercedes Benz Superdome on January 13, 2019 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) /

The Denver Broncos’ options at the quarterback position seem to be coming into focus. Who will John Elway look at bringing in for 2019 and beyond?

John Elway knows the biggest issue on the Denver Broncos’ roster is the quarterback position.

The last time the Broncos had quarterback play that could consistently have an effect on the outcome of games was back in 2014 when Peyton Manning was still playing at a Pro Bowl level.

From 2015-2018, the Denver Broncos’ quarterback position (Peyton Manning, Brock Osweiler, Trevor Siemian, Paxton Lynch, and Case Keenum) has averaged a season-long stat line of 3,922 yards with a 60.3 percent completion percentage, 19 touchdowns, and 18 interceptions.

Here is a look at the stats from that timeframe on a year-to-year basis (completion percentage, yards, touchdowns, interceptions)

2015: 60.7 // 4216 // 19 TD // 23 INTs
2016: 59.5 // 3914 // 20 TD // 11 INTs
2017: 58.7 // 3668 // 19 TD // 22 INTs
2018: 62.3 // 3890 // 18 TD // 15 INTs

The best season from Broncos quarterbacks — statistically — was a collective effort in 2016 from Trevor Siemian and Paxton Lynch in which they completed just under 60 percent of passes with 20 touchdowns and only 11 interceptions.

Oddly enough, the worst season statistically from Broncos quarterbacks in that same timeframe was the season before when Peyton Manning and Brock Osweiler combined for 19 touchdowns (10 of which were from Osweiler) and 23 interceptions (17 of which were from Manning).

You can also use that piece of information for free when anyone tries to credit Peyton Manning for John Elway’s general manager success. It was the defense Elway put together that won the Broncos Super Bowl 50, and Manning would acknowledge as much.

The fact of the matter is, the Broncos put all their eggs into the Peyton Manning basket back in 2012, and had no reason until he was hurt in 2015 to start thinking about life after him. Manning signed a five-year deal in 2012 and retired with one year remaining.

Cameron Parker takes a more detailed look at the Broncos’ search for a quarterback since Manning was in Denver here.

What options are available to the Broncos this offseason? Andrew Wade took a look at five options for the Broncos earlier this offseason, and we’ll revise that list a bit here.

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