Sam Darnold, Jared Goff, Mathew Stafford, Carson Wentz, Ryan Fitzpatrick, Tyrod Taylor, Cam Newton, Andy Dalton, Mitch Trubisky, Jacoby Brissett, Jameis Winston, and effectively even the 3 of the top 5 draftable quarterbacks have all found homes at this point. Meaning Denver is left with very few if any options. Let's take a look at the very few viable free agents left.
Nick Mullens is in my opinion the best quarterback still available. He was not tendered by the 49ers, instead they opted to replace him by resigning Josh Rosen, and signing Nate Sudfeld. However I don't believe this is an indictment on Mullens talent. I believe he is a guy who simply needs someone to work on a few key points regarding accuracy and decision making to make him a clutch starting quarterback. Perhaps Pat Shurmur is that guy.
Alex Smith is now 37 years old, and essentially was told his previous team didn't want him to return after a gruesome leg injury. However he told them to shove their advice, came back, and actually started games. He played in 8 games having last appeared a game in week 10 2018. Obviously Smith comes with one main caveat, his mobility which was once a huge part of his game will never be what it once was, and he should be regarded as strictly a pocket passer at this point. To me signing Smith only makes sense as a mentor and backup to Lock. Smith is past his ability to be a full time starter but would be perfect for a team like Denver that needs a QB that can help teach Lock, and if needed step in when he can't perform.
This is pretty much it on the open market however with so much movement at QB, it made certain players available for the right price if Denver is inclined to pick up someone other than Smith or Mullens.
First off is Teddy Bridgewater, who likely could be had for a 4th round pick or less. The Panthers just acquired Sam Darnold trading away 2nd and 4th round picks in 2022, and a 2021 6th round pick. Meaning they would be thrilled to acquire some draft capitol in exchange. However Denver bowed out on trading for Darnold believing he wasn't a big enough upgrade over what they had in Lock, so I would be surprised to see them determine Bridgewater is an option unless he is simply cut.
Gardner Minshew might be the best of this bunch. He is headed into his 3rd year having played in 23 games. Throwing 797 passes completing 501 for 5,530 yards 37 tds, 11 ints, 6.9 yds per attempt, qbr 93.1, however he has knocks on his delivery time, resulting in 60 sacks in only 23 games. He has 96 carries for 497 yards, and 1 td but again has fumbled 18 times losing 11. However if you can help him learn to get the ball out faster, and get him better protection and weapons which I believe Denver has in place he could be the perfect competition for Lock for the price of a conditional 5th round pick.
Nick Foles, the man who can only seem to play well when wearing an Eagles jersey, could also be available after the Bears were so unimpressed they resorted to signing Andy Dalton to be their starter. Foles will also not be headed back to Philly where former Bronco Joe Flacco stepped in. However he did actually play halfway decent last year. The Bears had this weird back and forth thing with Trubisky going on at first until they finally just stopped turning to Foles. I think you could pry him from Chicago for a 5th round pick.
Jimmy Garrappollo is on the squarely on the trade block but rumor is the price is a first round pick which Denver will likely not be willing to pay for a man who isn't avast upgrade over Lock if an upgrade at all. I still think he lands in New England or Houston after the dust settles on draft day but Denver does make some sense if they can get him for a 3rd this year or a conditional 2nd in 2022.
Marcus Mariota is a guy I think I am higher on him then the rest of the NFL. His athleticism will always intrigue me, despite the fact that his career has not turned out to be what we all hoped. However I believe with the right coach, and system he would be great. Maybe Shurmur is that coach. Keep in mind Shurmur was the offensive coordinator under none other than Chip Kelly when Mariota was drafted. At the time the Eagles were trying to trade up to acquire Mariota but fell short instead telling with Nick Foles, and Sam Bradford. Maybe now it's time for Denver to make the low risk high reward move and trade a 4th round pick to Las Vegas for Mariota. Maybe you even include Jeff Driskel in the trade so Las Vegas can acquire another backup QB.
As you can see the options outside of the draft aren't exactly the best to hang your hat on unless of course you want to mortgage your future to go get Deshawn Watson, Russell Wilson, or to a lesser extent make a trade up from 9 to 4, to select the 4th best qb. Or you roll with Drew Lock, maybe select a right tackle so you can move on from the biggest waste of free agent money on the planet Juwan James.
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