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3 free agent QBs the Broncos should consider to push Russell Wilson in 2023

By Sayre Bedinger

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - NOVEMBER 27: Russell Wilson #3 of the Denver Broncos confers with teammates on the sideline during their game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on November 27, 2022 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - NOVEMBER 27: Russell Wilson #3 of the Denver Broncos confers with teammates on the sideline during their game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on November 27, 2022 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /
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Nov 27, 2022; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Sam Darnold (14) looks to pass in the first quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Denver Broncos should consider QB Sam Darnold in NFL free agency

Perhaps a bit more than others, I think the option of Sam Darnold comes with a questionably high ceiling and a definitely low floor. There have been way too many examples of erratic play from Sam Darnold that we’ve seen throughout his NFL career to be able to truly bank on him as a consistent option, even coming off the bench.

Although his 2022 debut wasn’t perfect, Darnold made some big-time throws against a very good Denver Broncos defense on Sunday and reminded everyone of his outstanding physical tools. The former third-overall pick out of USC will be just 26 years old next season, and was once the apple of the Denver Broncos’ eye. The people that were in charge of the Broncos back in 2018 are no longer around, but you can’t help but wonder if there will be any potential ties between Darnold and whoever is the Broncos’ head coach in 2023, even if it’s still Nathaniel Hackett and Klint Kubiak in the building.

Keep in mind that Kubiak was part of the Broncos’ coaching staff back in 2018 as an offensive assistant when they were picking fifth overall in the NFL Draft and many felt like Darnold was John Elway’s favorite QB in the class. How much input did Kubiak have in the process of scouting Darnold as an option for Denver? Did he like him? Will Kubiak even be around?

These questions all might not matter in the slightest come March but the option of adding Darnold might have merit either way. The Broncos might look at the upside play of Darnold as the perfect backup situation to Russell Wilson because if things are going poorly with Russ and you have to turn to Darnold, why not see what he’s got? If things go poorly then with Darnold? Oh well, you took a shot and probably still have draft picks in the fold, meaning you drafted someone in 2023 with upside and will also look to draft someone in 2024.

I think you could convince me on plenty of other 2023 NFL free agent possibilities as well, but Darnold’s combination of youth, physical tools, and perhaps his own situation make him an intriguing possibility here.

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