Horse Tracks: Broncos are once again without a “quarterback of the future”

Brock Osweiler wasn’t it, Trevor Siemian wasn’t it, Paxton Lynch certainly wasn’t it, and now Chad Kelly won’t be it. The Broncos search for that elusive “quarterback of the future” has not been a successful one and now will continue after the Broncos waived quarterback Chad Kelly.

They do have veteran quarterback Case Keenum signed through the 2019 season but the journeyman veteran quarterback coming off a career year in 2017 with the Minnesota Vikings appears to be just a one-time thing. Through 7 games this season, Keenum has just 8 touchdowns and 9 interceptions. Keenum has thrown at least one interception in each of his games played this year. He certainly has not lived up to the Broncos expectations and with big changes coming to this team in the offseason, his spot on the roster next year isn’t completely safe. Even if he does stick on the roster, he is just signed through 2019 and the Broncos currently just have Kevin Hogan as their number two quarterback.

Ick.

What makes this problem even more of an issue for the Broncos is the strength of the upcoming draft class at the quarterback position. It’s a “weak class” according to most draft experts and the potential top quarterback prospect in the group may not declare for the 2019 NFL Draft. So the Broncos could be in the tough position of needing a quarterback and not having a quality prospect available to remedy their issue and only prolonging this period of sub-par quarterback play for them.

One thing to note is that a “weak quarterback class” narrative doesn’t always end up being true. It was brought up often during the 2017 NFL Draft and that draft produced MVP candidate Patrick Mahomes, Deshaun Watson, and Mitchell Trubisky. All three have shown different levels of success during their short careers but they definitely proved that “weak quarterback class” narrative to be wrong. This obviously doesn’t mean the narrative surrounding the 2019 quarterback class is wrong, but just something to keep in mind as we creep closer to that time of the year.

At the end of the day, the release of Kelly will force the Broncos into having to find yet another “quarterback of the future”. How they go about finding that guy and who they pick will be something we talk about down the road. However, for now, all we can do is complain about the Broncos lack of an answer at the quarterback position currently and in the near and distant future.

Horse Tracks:

Ravens work out Jamaal Charles – ProFootballTalk
Jamaal Charles played only two games with the Jaguars before hitting the free agent market again. The running back, who turns 32 in December, apparently hopes to continue his career. The Ravens worked out five running backs, including Charles, Field Yates of ESPN reports.

Seahawks await specific NFL punishment for Mychal Kendricks – ProFootballTalk
Seahawks linebacker Mychal Kendricks met with the NFL last week regarding his playing status, and coach Pete Carroll said he hopes to hear a specific punishment for Kendricks next week.

Myles Garrett avoids fine for postgame criticism of fired official – ProFootballTalk
The NFL doesn't look too kindly on players and coaches publicly lambasting its officials. The league fined Steelers coach Mike Tomlin $25,000 earlier this month for his criticism of officials after his team's victory over Atlanta.

NFL admits flag was wrongly picked up on hit to Baker Mayfield’s head – ProFootballTalk
The NFL has admitted that the official who threw a flag on a hit to the head taken by Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield made the right call, and should not have been overruled by the other officials.

Myles Garrett, Jabrill Peppers “absolutely” views Steelers game as unfinished business – ProFootballTalk
The Browns and Steelers get together on Sunday, seven weeks (and 70 minutes) after playing to a draw in Week One. A pair of defensive players who arrived in Cleveland via round one of the 2017 draft provided the same answer when asked on Friday whether the rematch entails a sense of unfinished busin...

Jimmy Garoppolo vows to come back stronger next season – ProFootballTalk
Jimmy Garoppolo is in pain. It has nothing to do with his surgically repaired knee. Instead, the 49ers quarterback is pained not to be on the field with his teammates. “This isn’t something I want to get used to,” Garoppolo said Friday, via Daniel Brown of The Mercury News.

Jaguars' sickness ... diagnosed! Plus, a warning to Raider Nation - NFL.com
With the Jaguars mired in a three-game losing streak, what's wrong with this perceived contender? Can Jon Gruden really parlay the Raiders' draft capital into future success? Bucky Brooks examines these issues -- and more -- in his notebook.

Denver's no-fear plan for K.C.; Jags' identity search; Pats surging - NFL.com
How do the Broncos plan to stop Patrick Mahomes? What's up with Stefon Diggs sticky hands? Why is the Jaguars' defense struggling to find an identity? Our reporters have the scoop on those stories and more.

Adam Gase 'going to re-evaluate everything' after loss - NFL.com
Miami has lost four of its last five games and surrendered over 400 yards in five of its last six. Is Dolphins coach Adam Gase considering a change at defensive coordinator?

Texans' Will Fuller done for season with torn ACL - NFL.com
The Houston Texans won big Thursday, but it came at a cost. Wide receiver Will Fuller is out for the rest of the season after suffering a torn ACL against the Miami Dolphins.

DeAndre Hopkins on non-catch: I'm going to count it - NFL.com
Texans WR DeAndre Hopkins had an unbelievable catch in Thursday night's win over the Dolphins. Problem is, it wasn't ruled an official catch. Hopkins was flagged for pass interference.

Haley: Baker Mayfield 'has to be ready' vs. Steelers - NFL.com
Cleveland Browns QB Baker Mayfield will get his first career start against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday. Browns OC Todd Haley stressed the young signal-caller and offense needs to start fast.

Thielen: I wouldn't be the WR I am without Bridgewater - NFL.com
Adam Thielen is on the verge of becoming the second player in NFL history to record eight consecutive games with 100-plus yards. Thielen credited former Teddy Bridgewater for his success.

Jerry Jones: Amari Cooper has 'been as advertised' - NFL.com
Earlier this week, the Cowboys traded for WR Amari Cooper. Owner Jerry Jones is already impressed with the new addition to his squad, saying he'll "change the dynamics of the offense."

Injuries: Bears LB Khalil Mack questionable vs. Jets - NFL.com
Khalil Mack's consecutive games streak could come to an end. The Bears' outside linebacker is listed as questionable after he was a limited participant in Friday's practice. Here are the injuries we're tracking.

Seahawks to honor Paul Allen with jersey patch - NFL.com
The Seahawks will wear a patch on their jerseys bearing late owner Paul Allen's intitials (PGA) in front of a 12th-man flag. Allen passed away on October 15 after a battle with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Everson Griffen set to return for Vikings vs. Saints - NFL.com
Minnesota Vikings defensive end Everson Griffen, who missed the last five games because of a mental health issue, is expected to play against the New Orleans Saints, Tom Pelissero reports.