FanPost

What's the next move at QB?

Chad Kelly was a fairly polarizing prospect in the 2017 draft, a player with potential and talent but major red flags. Rightfully John Elway took a flier and drafted Kelly as Mr.Irrelevant. Unfortunately it didn't pan out, and Kelly was released this week. Kelly provided the Broncos fanbase something to be excited about. If the season went downhill, there was always the opportunity to evaluate the the young prospect who enjoyed a successful preseason. With Kelly's off the field issues rising up this week, the Broncos rightfully released him. With Kelly's release, Broncos fans must be wondering what the future at the QB position is.

The Draft

Justin Herbert:

Justin Herbert is the starting QB of the Oregon Ducks and arguably the top QB prospect this year. He appeared on the NFL radar last year after putting together an impressive season with the Ducks showing that he was their best QB since Marcus Mariota. Herbert has flashed his ability to throw accurately with touch or with some heat. He has also shown to be elusive and fairly mobile, but does not rely on his legs to make plays. While Herbert shows some potential, he has also been inconsistent. Herbert doesn't always throw the most accurate deep ball, but he keeps his head up and attempts to make plays. Rumor has it Herbert is strongly considering returning to Oregon for his Senior year to play with his younger brother.

Dwayne Haskins:

I haven't watched a ton of Dwayne Haskins, so I'll keep it brief. Dwayne is the inexperienced but talented QB for the Ohio State Buckeyes. He owns a career completion percentage of 71%, however he is not often asked to take deep shots. Dwayne is also extremely smart and has earned academic recognition. While Haskins certainly shows potential, he is surrounded by talent and plays in a Spread offense not known to translate well in the NFL.

Steven Montez:

Steven Montez is not one of the hot names on the NFL radar, however as a CU fan I feel slightly obligated to include him. Montez started a few games his freshman year when Sefo Liufau got injured, and showed his flashes of talent. Last year he was named the start QB for the Buffs, and went on to have an up and down season. Montez relied heavily on his legs to make plays and didn't always do a great job keep his head up looking downfield. With in a year Montez has grown rather rapidly by becoming one of the most accurate passers in college football and no longer looks to just take of with his legs. However; the CU offense relies on many screen passes and asks WRs to contribute heavily with YAC. Additionally CU had the benefit of playing one of the easiest schedules to start the year, and Montez has had some struggles against more talented schools like Washington and USC.

Free Agency

Rarely do you see talent QBs like Peyton Manning, or Kirk Cousins become free agents and when they do they are signed to massive contracts. QBs in free agency are always overpaid, and usually uninspiring names like Case Keenum, Josh McCown, Ryan Fitzpatrick. Let's explore the upcoming market for potential UFA's and see if any provide potential and may be worth a flier for the Denver Broncos.

Tyrod Taylor:

A popular name at MHR, during any discussions about the Denver Broncos QB situation. Tyrod Taylor spent some time as the backup QB behind Joe Flacco with the Baltimore Ravens. When he became a free agent John Elway and Gary Kubiak tried to lure him to Denver. Ultimately Taylor decided to sign with the Bills, and was later traded to the Browns. Earlier this year the Browns benched the injured Taylor for Baker Mayfield and never looked back. Prior to his benching Taylor didn't play great football. He missed open receivers, held the ball too long and took way too many sacks. His poor play lead Hue Jackson, to make the relatively easy decision to bench him for the 2018 number 1 draft choice. Taylor is arguably the top free agent QB in 2019 and will likely be paid like it, despite his struggles with the Cleveland Browns.

Teddy Bridgewater:

Bridgewater was drafted in the first round by the Minnesota Vikings before a devastating knee injury sidelined him. Teddy signed a one year deal with the New York Jets this past year and was later traded to the New Orleans Saints, after a fantastic preseason. Bridgewater probably has the highest ceiling of all of the available free agent QBs next year. It is highly unlikely the Saints would be willing to let him walk after trading for him, as the Saints are likely considering him to take over after Brees. Even if the Saints let him go, his ability to stay healthy and endure a 16 game season would be a massive question mark.

Nick Foles:

The Super Bowl 52 MVP, becomes a UFA after backing up Carson Wentz and upsetting the New England Patriots in Super Bowl 52. Nick Foles has had an up and down career, where he has flashed brilliance or has looked completely flat. Foles started this year as the starter for the Eagles as Wentz recovered from his torn ACL. As a starter for the Eagles in their first two games, Foles struggled mightily against the Falcons before putting up a mediocre performance against the Bucaneers. With Foles its impossible to tell if you are getting the talented Super Bowl QB or the next Keenum.

Conclusion

Ultimately the Broncos aren't in the market for a starting NFL QB next season, with Keenum still under contract. With Keenum coming out as his pre-2017 self it's impossible to not consider the possibilities at the QB position for the Broncos in the future. At the very least the Broncos need to find a QB capable of being a talented backup if Keenum were to get injured or continue to struggle. If the Broncos lean towards free agency, I for one would love to sign Bridgewater. If they decide to draft a QB to learn under Keenum in 2019 I would prefer it be Haskins or Montez. But if they are looking to the draft, the Broncos may be better served staying patient and waiting till 2020. What are your thoughts Broncos Country?

This is a Fan-Created Comment on MileHighReport.com. The opinion here is not necessarily shared by the editorial staff of MHR.