2. Who wants to be Russell Wilson’s insurance plan?
In a relatively weak free agency class from a big-picture standpoint, the hedge/bridge quarterback pool is quite deep.
Gardner Minshew, Jacoby Brissett, Teddy Bridgewater, Sam Darnold, and Baker Mayfield headline the group of free-agent quarterbacks who could be looking to sign a prove-it deal or be looking to just latch on for another gig.
Injuries happen in the NFL, especially when you have 300+ pound defensive lineman chasing after you, even if they are laying you down as gently as possible. Paton and the Broncos could invest in the offensive line and still have Wilson go down due to a freak injury.
Investment does not always end in results or growth.
Russell Wilson likes to move around, and he also likes to hold on to the football a tick longer than he probably should. That is why the Broncos should avoid the catastrophe of not having a legitimate option at the backup quarterback position in 2023.
Having a quality backup would also keep Wilson on his heels and press him to where he feels the pressure. Who knows if Wilson will re-gain the top quarterback form that he has shown in recent memory and if he doesn’t, why wouldn’t the Denver Broncos move to say, Gardner Minshew, if Sean Payton felt like he could operate the offense at a more successful level?
There is a scenario where the Denver Broncos move on from Russell Wilson after this season. If his play shows no improvement in 2023, maybe the Broncos look at moving on from him rather sooner than later.
Either way, having someone who is a legitimate NFL talent behind him is a must if the Broncos want to avoid a quarterback catastrophe.