Seven games into the 2021 NFL season, and the Denver Broncos are a mess.
Their three-game winning streak to start the season seemed decades ago, and they are struggling on both ends of the field.
Their defense isn’t that elite like that of the Los Angeles Rams or the Arizona Cardinals.
They’re not scoring enough points on offense mainly because of their quarterback situation.
We ran a poll asking 3,000 #Broncos fans which QB Denver should start. About 70% of fans answered Drew Lock. https://t.co/Kk8BRPMovQ
— Broncos Wire (@TheBroncosWire) October 20, 2021
Teddy Bridgewater is a game manager who will complete enough throws and lessen mistakes to lead the Broncos to victory.
Head coach Vic Fangio chose him over Drew Lock, who is a decent but inconsistent play-caller.
With Bridgewater and Lock occupying the quarterback depth chart, it’s pretty evident that the team needs an upgrade in football’s most important position.
They’ve seen the ceiling of both players, which makes none of them the long-term solution for the team.
BREAKING: Teddy Bridgewater is not the answer for the Denver #Broncos at quarterback. That is all. #NFL
— Justin Time Sports (@JTIMESPORTS) October 22, 2021
That said, taking another quarterback via the 2022 draft is one approach to address their needs.
But even that direction comes with a risk, especially if the player doesn’t live up to expectations.
Therefore, they can lure a free agent quarterback who can lead them into the foreseeable future.
Here are three players they can pursue if they part ways with Bridgewater and keep Lock as a backup.
3. Jacoby Brissett
The former North Carolina State standout had a good run during Tua Tagovailoa’s absence this season.
While he failed to give the Miami Dolphins a victory in his four starts, he had four touchdowns during that stretch.
He threw for 275 yards and two touchdowns against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Jacoby Brissett has a higher PFF passing grade than Sam Darnold
some of y’all traded a future first for that 😷
— DynastyIM (@dynasty_im) October 18, 2021
Brissett also threw for two scores versus his former team Indianapolis Colts.
He is young enough to be their quarterback over the next few seasons.
More importantly, he can make plays with a talented roster around him.
2. Taysom Hill
The 31-year-old quarterback signed a four-year contract with the New Orleans Saints that will last until 2025.
However, all four years of that $140 million deal are voidable as part of the Saints’ salary cap restructuring.
Therefore, they can cut Hill after the 2022 season without incurring any dead cap.
Taysom Hill can fly 🚀 pic.twitter.com/BcWAD9wpJk
— Mystic (@PrimeMystik) October 20, 2021
This deal should not deter the Broncos from getting a versatile quarterback with a 3-1 record as a starter in 2020.
Hill took over an injured Drew Brees during that season and threw for 928 yards and four touchdowns.
He also had eight rushing scores during his stint under center.
His ability to improvise plays will be an asset for Denver, especially if Melvin Gordon III is struggling.
1. Mitchell Trubisky
Say what you want about him, but he still led the Chicago Bears to the playoffs in two of his four seasons.
He’s more than a backup quarterback, even if it’s for Josh Allen.
Trubisky will get another opportunity to lead an NFL franchise, and the Broncos could be that team if they sign him next season.
Daniel Jeremiah believes former Bears QB Mitch Trubisky will be in demand come free agency. https://t.co/bGh5MKOpEm
— BearsWire (@TheBearsWire) October 21, 2021
It’s easy to forget that he had 3,223 passing yards and 24 touchdowns during his sophomore season.
This quarterback from North Carolina also has eight rushing touchdowns to highlight his ability to extend plays with his feet.
Next year, he will be 28 years old, giving him much time to lead the Broncos if he turns out to be their long-term solution.
NEXT: Vic Fangio Deserves To Be On The Hot Seat