Peyton Manning, Aqib Talib, TJ Ward, Demarcus Ware and Emmanuel Sanders are all free agents recently signed. This haul believed in John Elway, his vision and the stability of the organization. Broncos fans saw the sun coming out of the butt of John Elway when these players came to the Mile High City. How quickly they forget. Now Broncos fans think John Elway is a bum and has no idea what he is doing. Brock Osweiler walked away, Peyton retired and Malik Jackson signed with Jacksonville for star money. Two of these things were not shocking and should not have shocked any Broncos fans. The Broncos were not going to pay Peyton what he wanted to play in 2016-2017 season and Malik will never live up to the Jacksonville contract. Osweiler walking was surprising but Elway and staff were not going to pay star QB money for an average QB that has yet to prove himself over an entire season.
John Elway is exercising patience. Patience is not an attribute fans admire. They want results now. They want Colin Kaepernick now, they want RGIII now, they want a star QB now. John Elway is exercising patience and the league is providing options. Strong options with good value.
The Titans traded the first pick in the 2016 draft to the LA Rams. This eliminates a QB from the draft pool. They also signed Case Keenum to a restricted free agent contract. This means Nick Foles is available. Another option for the Broncos. Not a great option but it shows patience providing options.
The Browns traded the first pick of the 2016 draft to the Eagles today. This points to the Eagles selecting a QB and making Sam Bradford or Chase Daniel available. The Eagles new head coach Doug Peterson worked with Chase in Kansas City and thinks highly of him. Bradford should be available, especially if the Eagles eat part of his guaranteed money. A former 1st pick in the draft with no pressure to carry a team and learn an entirely new read-option offense. Patience providing options.
San Francisco is next at pick seven (Dallas, Jacksonville and Baltimore all have starting QBs entrenched at the position). If they select a QB then Colin Kaepernick is an $11.5 million luxury. This puts more pressure on San Francisco to move him. An athletic, strong thrower whose strengths point to a fit in Kubiak’s offense. Patience providing options.
When Brock Osweiler signed with the Houston Texans Brian Hoyer became available. He met with the NY Jets this week and sources say it went well. If Hoyer signs in NY, Ryan Fitzpatrick would be without a home and John Elway would put out the welcome mat. He’s smart, doesn’t turn the ball over, mobile and is familiar with leading a team with a strong defense, strong receivers and run game. Patience providing options.
The draft will also provide options for the future of the QB position for the Broncos. Connor Cook, Dak Prescott, Brandon Allen or Kevin Hogan could be available for the Broncos in the first two rounds. These options paired with a better offensive line, improved run game and strong defense can put the Broncos and John Elway in a good position in 2016 and better position for the future. Everyone just needs patience.
