What Is Next For The Denver Broncos?
Photo by Eric Lutzens/The Denver Post
After missing the playoffs for the sixth consecutive season. George Paton and the Denver Broncos this offseason have decided to go in a new direction by rebuilding the coaching staff, roster, and ownership. Through intuitive methods and critical decision making. However during this process, Broncos country have to be thinking “How will this be achieved?” as well as “What will be Paton’s key or at least criteria to his decisions?” As the Broncos are in a position to not only have the best vacant spot at head coach but the opportunity to acquire a veteran or promising quarterback.
During George Paton’s and Joe Ellis's end of season press conference, one of things that was highlighted the most was leadership. Which through the press conference formed into the format in what Paton, Ellis, and the Denver Broncos will be looking for next season not only in their head coach but possibly the quarterback and beyond. One can say this effect would be due to former head coach Vic Fangio but when reflecting the landscape of last season. George Paton summarized it perfectly to be on “each and every one of them”. Not pointing a finger or mentioning a name but being a leader in the organization rather than creating rumors. So above all, leadership and the process of taking this promising team to the next level will be the key to Paton’s decisions.
WHO will BE THE NEXT HEAD Coach?
Going into the offseason the Denver Broncos will have 10 head coaching candidates and have already interview three of them (Lions DC Aaron Glen, Packers QB coach Luke Getsy, and Packers OC Nathaniel Hackett). But as we move forward into the NFL divisional playoffs. That number will increase with the Broncos this Tuesday interviewing Dallas Cowboy assistants Dan Quinn and Kellen Moore. As well as Patriots linebacker coach Jerod Mayo and Eagles defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon. Then depending on the results of the divisional playoffs, the Broncos will interview Chiefs OC Eric Bieniemy, Bengals OC Brian Callahan, and Rams OC Kevin O’Connell.
Which looking on a name by name basis is promising to see because of Paton’s focus on boosting the offense as well as adding stability at defense.
New Ownership
Although not being a local Broncos fan myself as Broncos Country and reporters in Denver would have more to a say in this. But based on information from the likes of Mike Klis, Ian Rapoport, and Tom Pelissero. The Broncos may have new ownership this offseason as the process has now become easier after a court ruling allowing the Broncos to move forward towards a new owner. However with that being said “who would be the new owner of the Broncos”?
Speculation have come out about a possible showdown between Broncos legends Peyton Manning and John Elway. But based on reports that the Broncos are worth $3.2 billion. It comes to the question now who has more money to win in a potential auction.
So whether it be Manning, Elway, or etc. the Broncos have a price and it will be up to the highest bidder to claim a promising team.
Franchise Quarterback in Denver
When it comes to the franchise quarterback for the Broncos, that position is up in the air. Even though one may say Drew Lock is the guy, the reality of the situation is that their is no franchise quarterback heading into next season. Due to the Broncos not having a head coach, the free agency not beginning, and draft not concluding. Because as Paton and others may suggest the Broncos are looking at every option presented to them. To realistically breakdown each quarterback rumor or option.
Here is a rundown of what Broncos country can expect:
Trade rumor and speculation quarterbacks
Aaron Rodgers: Although much a stretch to occur, the Broncos are in a Peyton Manning position to acquire an elite quarterback that can once again singlehandedly change the culture of the franchise for the next two to four years. If the Broncos do hire Nathaniel Hackett as the next head coach and possibly Luke Getsy as offensive coordinator. The odds of Aaron Rodgers coming to Denver will increase slightly.
Russell Wilson: As reports have come out that Wilson is looking to explore his options. Coming to Denver would also provide Wilson, the Peyton Manning scenario of giving him a good offense, a better offensive line, and a contending team. But for this happen, Russell would have to demand a trade to Denver.
Matt Ryan, Kirk Cousins, Jimmy Garoppolo: When it comes to these three quarterbacks, they all have three things in common. A big contract, bridge quarterback’s, and decent at best. However with all three of their franchises in a sort of limbo of when it comes to the quarterback position. It is up George Paton and management to decide if these players are their plan c.
Quarterback prospects
Even though the Broncos are a position to acquire a proven or elite quarterback. This year’s draft has a few QB’s that George Paton and possibly the new head coach of the Denver Broncos may look at. So if the Broncos were to draft their future in this year’s the draft.
It sets the possibility of a quarterback competition once again between Drew Lock and said rookie or Drew Lock in a new uniform next season. If George Paton and the new head coach were to really like a certain prospect in the draft.
Stay with your home grown product and develop him
With maybe the most likely option or scenario to occur, the Broncos may very well stick with Drew Lock for the time being. Considering their opportunities at upgrading the position may fail or they don’t draft a quarterback in the draft rather building the roster with promising prospects at skill or defensive positions.
Even though it may bring dismay to some Broncos fans but at the end of the day if Paton, the new head coach, and ownership decide Drew Lock is the guy for the time being then we must have faith in their decision and believe the Broncos will compete for a playoff spot next season.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the Broncos future is bright because with multiple draft picks, nearly $50 million in cap space, and a contending roster. The Broncos will be team people will have to watch for next season.
Thumbnail by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images
