The Denver Broncos need to get more out of their backup quarterback position this offseason, and there are some obvious choices to take that role. Brett Rypien is not a legitimate option at this position, and if the Broncos want to contend again, no part of the roster should be neglected, including the QB2 spot.
Russell Wilson did get banged up this year, which was a first, so it’s also imperative in case of Wilson’s body finally gives out. I don’t think that is happening, but he’ll be 35 this season, so you never know for sure.
Let’s look at some ideal backup QB options for the Denver Broncos in 2023.
Denver Broncos’ best options for the backup quarterback
Jameis Winston
Once upon a time, playing with Sean Payton in New Orleans, Jameis Winston went 5-2 as a starter and threw 14 touchdowns against three interceptions. It was the best stretch of football he played in his career.
If Winston is a cap casualty by the Saints this offseason, I would make sense for Denver to jump on this opportunity to see if Payton and Winston can find the groove that they did back in 2021.
Baker Mayfield
I’m not sure Mayfield doesn’t re-sign with the Los Angeles Rams, but any shorter QB who can operate as a pocket passer is compared to Drew Brees, and Mayfield got some of those comparisons coming out of college.
I could totally see Mayfield thriving in a Sean Payton offense, as he’s got a lively arm and has been able to do damage as a pocket passer before. With Mayfield, it seems like most everything around him has to be set in place, but there’s evidence that he can be efficient.
Teddy Bridgewater
Teddy Bridgewater had a stretch like Winston did in New Orleans, going 5-0 as a starter and playing well enough in those five games to earn a large contract from the Carolina Panthers. His passer rating was nearly 100 and the Saints won all of the games he started.
Bridgewater was also not terrible for the Broncos in 2021 as annoyed as some of us got with him at times. I’m not sure how Bridgewater is received in the Denver Broncos locker room, but heck, if there is a mutual interest, then why not?
Sam Darnold
I gave the nod to the last best option for the Denver Broncos backup QB spot to Sam Darnold over Jacoby Brissett. The reason is that Sean Payton does have a solid record of being able to tap into some veterans that perhaps have low or diminished value.
He did it with Drew Brees when he was cast off by the Chargers.
He did it for a few games with Jameis Winston and Teddy Bridgewater for a few games in the recent past.
Sam Darnold has a ton of talent but has not been able to put much together. He’s got stretches of some nice football, but nothing to inspire confidence in teams.
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I think the Denver Broncos should have a ton of interest in Darnold. He’s young and has nowhere to go but up.