Denver Broncos: Quarterback options for new GM George Paton

Dec 27, 2020; Inglewood, California, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Drew Lock (3) looks to pass during the first half against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 27, 2020; Inglewood, California, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Drew Lock (3) looks to pass during the first half against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Drew Lock, Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos QB #3 Drew Lock. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) /

Denver Broncos QB options for new GM George Paton

Conclusions

The availability of Matthew Stafford could change things as he would represent a veteran who is established, still can play at a very high level, and would not require a ton of time to learn the language of the Pat Shurmur offense and operate it at a high level.

Will George Paton and the rest of the front office and coaching staff in Denver buy into Drew Lock’s progression on tape and believe his best days are yet to come? That consistency can be achieved?

There are two great situations for the Broncos and Paton.

One of those situations involves adding a veteran hedge behind Lock, believing in his development for at least the 2021 season, and if he does great, you look like a genius for keeping the pieces in place.

If he doesn’t look good in 2021, it’s not like Lock was Paton’s draft choice. The roster will almost undoubtedly be better overall, and the Broncos could attack the quarterback position again in 2022.

The risk involved in that is obviously passing on the 2021 draft class and the opportunity to trade for Matthew Stafford if that’s actually a possibility. What happens if the alternatives in 2022 are way worse, Lock doesn’t play well, and you passed on a number of options to upgrade the most important position with a new owner likely coming into the building as early as 2021-22?

This is such a crucial decision from Paton, and that cannot be overstated. One way or another, the Broncos will be adding to the quarterback position in all likelihood, but how “aggressive” they are in adding talent to that spot is yet to be determined.