Today we continue our Broncos 2017 roster breakdown series with quarterback Paxton Lynch.
After being drafted in the first round, 26th overall, out of Memphis, expectations were high for Lynch. Almost nobody expected the rookie to take over for Peyton Manning right of the gate, but few anticipated the rocky ride that has been Paxton’s Broncos career.
In the preseason of the 2016 season, Paxton found it difficult to climb a depth chart featuring the formidable talents of Mark Sanchez and Trevor Siemian. With Sanchez gone and Siemian given the starting role, Paxton was relegated to the bench. In 2016, Lynch played just two games.
In 2017, fans were hopeful that the lackluster Trevor Siemian experiment would be over. However, Paxton was unable to take advantage of the opportunities afforded him by coach Vance Joseph to claim the starting position. Even if he had won the starting job in camp, he wouldn’t have started the season because of a shoulder injury. Then, when given the chance to start when the season was essentially over, he could only last three quarters before injuring his ankle and returning to the bench. On New Year’s Eve against the Kansas City Chiefs, Lynch led the Broncos to their 11th loss of the season and the 5th overall pick in this year’s draft.
Paxton Lynch Stats
Date | Team | Result | Completions | Attempts | Completion % | Yards | Touchdowns | Interceptions |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Date | Team | Result | Completions | Attempts | Completion % | Yards | Touchdowns | Interceptions |
2016-10-02 | @TAM | W 27-7 | 14 | 24 | 58.33 | 170 | 1 | 0 |
2016-10-09 | ATL | L 16-23 | 23 | 35 | 65.71 | 223 | 1 | 1 |
2016-12-04 | @JAX | W 20-10 | 12 | 24 | 50 | 104 | 0 | 0 |
2017-11-26 | @OAK | L 14-21 | 9 | 14 | 64.29 | 41 | 0 | 1 |
2017-12-31 | KAN | L 24-27 | 21 | 31 | 67.74 | 254 | 2 | 2 |
TOTAL | 2-3-0 | 79 | 128 | 61.72 | 792 | 4 | 4 |
Paxton Lynch PFF Grade
According to Pro Football Focus, Lynch graded out with an overall 42.3 (out of 100) grade, a 40.1 in the passing game, and 82.2 in the run game.
Paxton Lynch Contract
The only option the Broncos have at getting rid of Lynch is via trade. Cutting him would have a negative impact on the cap, which makes Trevor Siemian a much more likely cut possibility than Lynch at this point.
2018 Status
So, is Paxton done in Denver?
Truthfully, his future is up in the air until the Broncos figure out what they’re doing at quarterback this offseason. If the Broncos bring in a free agent like Kirk Cousins or draft a quarterback with their top-5 pick, Paxton Lynch’s chances to start will be slim to none if he’s even with the team come September. The one good thing he has going for him is his inexpensive rookie contract.
It’s highly likely that Lynch will be traded and he’ll get a new start somewhere else. Although, his prospects to start for anyone are just not that good. No matter how you look at it, Paxton’s time in Denver is drawing to a close if it’s not already over.