The Denver Broncos can go in many directions at quarterback for 2022 and beyond, so I decided to rank the ones that Broncos Country might desire the most.
As soon as the Denver Broncos figure out their quarterback situation, I might finally stop writing about it.
There are quite a few ways the team can go in terms of fixing their 6-year quarterback issue.
Many in Broncos Country have their own opinions of how they think the team should go about fixing the position.
If you read this site frequently, you know where many of the writers stand.
I want to rank the most desirable quarterback situations from best to worst. I would like to think that this ranking is a rather accurate representation of what Broncos Country thinks as well.
I understand that no matter what direction the team goes, not every fan will be satisfied.
However, if the Broncos are able to give the fans a franchise quarterback, I’m not sure many people would mind.
Ranking Quarterback Options for 2022 and Beyond
1. Aaron Rodgers and Russell Wilson
I think these two players stand atop what most Broncos fans would want in 2022 and beyond. We are talking about two future Hall of Fame players who are both still playing at a high level.
Aaron Rodgers might win his second MVP award in a row, and Russell Wilson is still playing like he always has.
I don’t think there would be many complaints within Broncos Country if the team acquired either player.
I don’t need to list their various accomplishments. Aaron Rodgers might be the most talented to ever play the position, and Russell Wilson is incredibly efficient and reliable.
These two are the grand prize if either is made available, but there are other options.
Ranking Quarterback Options for 2022 and Beyond
2. Kirk Cousins or Matt Ryan
While it is very possible that neither quarterback becomes available this offseason, it’s still possible. I think Kirk Cousins is the most likely since his contract is more movable, but I would not be surprised if Atlanta wanted to trade Matt Ryan this offseason as well.
Kirk Cousins is a very efficient passer who has played great football for Minnesota since signing there in 2018.
Matt Ryan is an efficient passer himself; he can’t stop throwing 4,000-yard seasons and has won an MVP.
Both quarterbacks give the Broncos their best option at the position since Peyton Manning retired.
While neither are elite and may never be considered elite, they are quality, franchise passers who also give Denver flexibility. Neither quarterback may cost more than a first-round pick to acquire, so the Denver Broncos won’t have to completely empty their cupboard of draft picks to make the trade work.
From what I’ve seen, Broncos Country may not be too pleased with either option, but I am personally not opposed to either.
Denver Broncos top QB options for 2022 and beyond
1. Rookie + a veteran not named Teddy Bridgewater or Drew Lock
I can see the argument for wanting this scenario to play out. While the general consensus seems to be that the 2022 quarterback class is weaker, that does not mean the Denver Broncos feel the same way.
What if George Paton really loves Carson Strong? What if he really likes Kenny Pickett?
I do not think the Broncos will draft a first-round quarterback, but I can see the benefit. This might be the smartest route, as pairing a rookie with another veteran quarterback allows the rookie to perhaps develop within the Broncos’ offense before eventually taking over.
If the Broncos do draft a rookie signal-caller, they will surely need to pair him with a veteran instead of throwing him into the fire.
I would hope the team does not pair a rookie draft pick with either Drew Lock or Teddy Bridgewater, though.
In this case, I would not hate another veteran being brought in. Some names that come to mind are a tier or two below guys like Kirk Cousins and Matt Ryan.
Andy Dalton, Marcus Mariota, and Jameis Winston all have enjoyed success in the NFL, and I do believe that each player is better than both Lock and Bridgewater, so I would be OK with this scenario.
However, this scenario is much less desirable than option 1 or 2, in my opinion.
Any other scenario would sit at the very bottom of the list for me. This would include pairing a rookie with Drew Lock, pairing a rookie with Teddy Bridgewater, giving Drew Lock another chance at QB1, and simply trading for another veteran stopgap option.
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George Paton is a smart GM, so I do not think he will underwhelm at the quarterback position this offseason.