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Denver Broncos: Darnold, Draft, or Drew Lock at QB in 2021?

By Sayre Bedinger

Nov 22, 2020; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Drew Lock (3) looks to pass in the fourth quarter against the Miami Dolphins at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 22, 2020; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Drew Lock (3) looks to pass in the fourth quarter against the Miami Dolphins at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /
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Denver Broncos, Sam Darnold
Denver Broncos possible trade target Sam Darnold. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports /

Sam Darnold, Jets

Sam Darnold is not included in the previous list of trade candidates because he actually offers some potential long-term upside.

Darnold was the QB1 of many NFL personnel and NFL Draft pundits ahead of the 2018 NFL Draft. Coming out of USC, it was clear that Darnold needed to clean up some of his “hero ball” tendencies, but his talent has always been evident.

Through three seasons in New York, that talent has been on display, but only in flashes or spurts.

The Jets actually had a winning record with Darnold under center in 2019 (7-6) but that franchise has been in a seemingly constant state of dysfunction with Adam Gase running the show. Not only that, they have had one of the least-talented rosters around Darnold league-wide over the past three seasons.

Entering his age 24 season, the book is not yet completely written on Sam Darnold. The former third-overall pick has a ton of talent and, in the right situation (perhaps Denver), he could really flourish.

If the Jets are taking a quarterback (Zach Wilson) as expected with their second overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, then Darnold should, in theory, be available at a pretty reasonable price unless there is a major bidding war to get him.

A day two pick would likely get the deal done and the Jets may even let Darnold choose where he wants to go if they end up with multiple offers on the table.

The same logic for why Mitch Trubisky would have made sense for the Broncos applies to Sam Darnold.

  • Young player with upside
  • Former high draft pick available for a discounted price
  • Broncos have strong, improved OL
  • Broncos skill players are arguably most talented in the NFL
  • Strong defense to back him up

If the Denver Broncos believe in Darnold’s talent, this is a move everyone should have their eyes on potentially happening. Everyone knows that John Elway had Darnold as his QB1 in the 2018 NFL Draft, so if he has any say in the matter, he might be able to sway George Paton.

Even if he doesn’t, Darnold is the type of buy-low option that you might get really excited about. His arrival would almost unquestionably spell the end of Drew Lock, however. You could go a year with both of them on the roster, but that might get a little awkward.

The Broncos would have to decide whether to pick up Darnold’s fifth-year contract option as a former first-round pick in just about a month, and that would guarantee him around $18 million for injury.

All told, Darnold could be a relatively low-risk, high-reward type of move, but you would have to buy his talent level and ceiling substantially more than where Drew Lock is right now and where you think he’s capable of going.

Still, if the Broncos are moving on from Drew Lock, Darnold is one of the more palatable options available to them.

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