Broncos: What Matt Stafford trade involvement means for Drew Lock
Broncos Stafford pursuit: Impact on Drew Lock
Why would the Broncos not just trade him?
The Denver Broncos could have acquired Stafford if they had put together the right package to get the deal done.
When the package the Lions wanted included Drew Lock, the Broncos backed off.
Initially, I thought for certain that the Lions’ desire for Lock was just a formality, but that doesn’t appear to be the case. The Broncos had hoped to keep Lock as a backup to Stafford and see his development down the line.
Lock wouldn't have been gone. He'd have been the backup and they'd have continued trying to develop him.
— Benjamin Allbright (@AllbrightNFL) February 1, 2021
If the Broncos’ willingness to talk trade with the Lions speaks volumes about Drew Lock in a negative way, then the fact that they wanted to keep him and wouldn’t include him in a trade should speak volumes about him in a positive way as well.
Obviously, the new front office led by George Paton has had time to review film, confer with the coaching staff, and Paton has undoubtedly had time to bounce ideas off of Elway. After those discussions, the team still decided they had a chance to upgrade with Stafford for the right price.
The idea of adding Stafford had to be explored, if for no other reason than there could be pressure for Vic Fangio to win games in 2021. But if the Broncos drew a line in the sand with the price on Stafford, they could have very easily allowed reports of their involvement to leak just to “push” Lock.
As much as the pressure is on the coaching staff in 2021, the pressure is on Drew Lock as well. The 2020 offseason was unprecedented and it certainly didn’t help Lock to be learning a new offense with a ton of new teammates at the skill positions while having limited hands-on practice time, but that should be at least a little different in 2021.
The Broncos’ plan could very well be to let it be known that they are exploring upgrades at the QB position now, but ultimately what they do could be in support of Lock’s development in the form of competition or a veteran presence that could keep the team alive in the playoff chase should Lock get hurt or struggle badly.
Stafford may have realistically been the best veteran quarterback the Broncos — or most teams — could pursue in the 2021 offseason. The team’s willingness to make a deal if the Lions were selling at a reasonable price does not mean any option will do at the position this offseason, nor does it mean the 2021 NFL Draft is undoubtedly where they will turn next.