It’s Kirk Cousins or bust for the Denver Broncos

Good morning, Broncos Country.

With a 5-11 finish planting themselves at the bottom of the AFC West and nearly the league, it’s almost safe to say that the Denver Broncos have nowhere to go but up in 2018. If you are hoping for a quick turnaround in respect to the direction of the franchise, it’s time to accept that acquiring a free agent quarterback (I’m talking about you, Kirk Cousins) is the best way to achieve that goal. Interestingly enough, reports indicate that John Elway and company are prepared to make a huge offer for him.

You are still worried about the money, aren’t you? Relax friends and take a deep breath. Leave the salary cap number crunching to Mike Sullivan and take a word of advice from team CEO Joe Ellis, who stated the Broncos are in financial position to do whatever is necessary to help improve the team. Obviously, finding a competent quarterback to lead the franchise is Denver’s number one priority this offseason and no matter what the naysayers say, they have the money to do it — period.

“I think there is no doubt we have to get better at that position. For us to have a chance to get better, we have to get better at that position,” stated Elway at yesterday’s season ending press conference in regard to the team’s situation at quarterback.

There’s no doubt that the 2018 NFL Draft class offers a variety of high-caliber signal callers who are set to make a splash at the next level. However, there are certainly legitimate concerns in respect to how soon that splash will be. It’s not an ideal situation for the team, which Elway admitted himself and reflected upon his experience being put in that same position to put that into perspective.

“Obviously it’s not ideal, but I would say this: I did it. It was tough. You drink through a fire hose,” Elway remarked. “But then again, if you make it through that you have a chance to be tough enough to handle it in this league, too.”

But are any of the prospects such as Josh Rosen, Baker Mayfield, Sam Darnold, Lamar Jackson or Josh Allen ready to take the reins of a franchise in need of a quick turnaround? Maybe, but with the Broncos selecting fifth overall and two teams ahead of them in need of a long-term solution at quarterback (Cleveland Browns and New York Giants), the Broncos would have to pony up significant draft capital and make a move up to boards to really get the guy they love in the draft. With a myriad of needs elsewhere on the roster, I just don’t see that happening.

We can debate the numbers of Cousins’ potential contract forever, but the bottom line is this: if you want a franchise quarterback, you are going to have to open up the checkbook. You might not think he’s worth every penny of a potential deal, but the value of the Broncos having a franchise quarterback for the next five years gives them a legitimate chance at competing for another championship is significant. A rookie, no matter how talented, likely doesn’t offer that potential — and more than likely wouldn’t provide the immediate spark the team needs to turn their woeful offense around.

It’s Kirk Cousins or bust for the Denver Broncos. He’s the best answer to get the team back to their championship ways, and allows them to acquire a high-profile, immediate impact player with their top selection in the NFL Draft. They’d be wise to get the best of both worlds, and as of now, all signs appear that will be the case this offseason.

As always, thank you for reading and here is today’s offering of Horse Tracks.

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