Klis: Broncos likely to go all in on a veteran quarterback

9NEWS Denver’s Mike Klis appeared on Orange and Blue 760 today with Andy Lindahl and Tyler Polumbus. Klis touched on multiple topics but did say that he believes the Broncos will go all in on impending free-agent quarterback Kirk Cousins this offseason.

Klis believes after the Broncos watched Baker Mayfield and Josh Allen last week at the Reese’s Senior Bowl that it reinforced to them that they need to go out and get a veteran quarterback in free agency. He mentions Case Keenum as a potential option, but according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Minnesota Vikings are likely placing the Franchise Tag on him. That leaves Kirk Cousins as the veteran quarterback they will go “all in” this offseason according to the Klis.

According to Klis, the Broncos like both Mayfield and Allen but believe the 5th overall pick is too rich for both of those players. He also goes on to say that the Broncos would like to go with a positional player at 5th overall instead of going quarterback. The only way they go quarterback 5th overall is if they get a “consolation prize” and sign a Tyrod Taylor type quarterback and pair him with a rookie.

Some of the top non-quarterback/positional players available would be Penn State running back Saquon Barkley, North Carolina State pass rusher Bradley Chubb, Alabama defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick, Notre Dame guard Quenton Nelson, Georgia linebacker Roquan Smith, and Virginia Tech outside linebacker Tremaine Edmunds.

The Broncos would also be in a great trade down position in this scenario with the Jets needing a quarterback. A team like the Jets, Cardinals, Dolphins or Bills could look to jump up to get themselves a quarterback. Basically signing Cousins gives the Broncos many possible moves in the 2018 NFL Draft.

Klis also touched on the Aqib Talib situation a bit. Over the weekend he reported that the Broncos would likely place the veteran corner on the trade block. He says there are other reasons in play for him being on the block, but that Bradley Roby’s increase in pay is the main reason for this. They also believe he is ready to become a starter and team with Chris Harris Jr. in the Broncos secondary.

When asked what the Broncos could get back for Talib, Klis said they could get a player and a late-round pick in return or probably a 3rd round pick for Talib straight up.

One interesting thing brought up by Klis is that the Broncos haven’t made the decision to release Talib if he is not traded. Now with that said, if you’re willing to trade a guy, you likely end up releasing him if you cannot make a trade with someone. That is just how it goes.

In the end, we have yet another report pointing to the Broncos being players for Kirk Cousins this offseason, and this time it’s from the most connected Broncos reporter out there.