Two or three quarterbacks? That’s the biggest question for the Denver Broncos.

As the initial waves of roster cuts come rolling in, the one burning question that has yet to be answered is whether or not the Denver Broncos will keep two or three quarterbacks on their roster for the 2018 season. Prized free agent acquisition Case Keenum is undoubtedly the starter and second-year player Chad Kelly, according to Head Coach Vance Joseph, has solidified himself as the team’s back-up quarterback on the roster — for now.

“Right now, he’s our two. That’s what I’ve said the last week. Things could change, but right now, he’s our two,” remarked Joseph after the Broncos’ victory against the Arizona Cardinals last night.

The key take away from that quote is ‘things could change’, but that all depends on who may be available on the waiver wire or be viably approachable through trade. Matt Moore has been a name some have suggested, but there hasn’t been enough smoke to think that there is any imminent fire on the franchise approaching the current free agent about a deal. Moreover, I doubt the Broncos’ brass is serious about bringing back Brock Osweiler for a third-stint with the franchise.

If the Broncos do indeed opt to keep three quarterbacks, I would bet my bottom dollar that they don’t sniff around for someone outside the franchise to take the last spot. Even knowing that he is no longer the quarterback of the future, keeping Paxton Lynch around may be in the team’s best interest.

Injuries happen all the time, and if either Keenum or Kelly were to miss any amount of time — who could the Broncos look to fill the void? Someone who has been with the team for several years and grasps the offensive system or a player or developmental prospect who has no familiarity with any aspect of the team at all? Which is perhaps why Joseph discussed the ‘future value’ of having three quarterbacks on the roster for the coming season.

“I don’t know if the value is always present. It could be future value, having three young quarterbacks in your building. That position is, again, the most valuable position in football,” stated Joseph. “So, if you have three you like, that’s the value. Again, we’ll see where we stand on that after the weekend. But, if you have three good ones that’s always a good thing,” he added.

Even though it was only two quarters of play against players who will likely be searching for opportunities outside the National Football League after 4 PM (EST) tomorrow afternoon, Lynch’s performance against the Cardinals last night was encouraging. Lynch was extremely efficient, completing 14 out of 15 passes for 128 yards and two touchdowns. His quality play didn’t go unnoticed and he received praise from Joseph in the post-game press conference.

“Paxton played good football. He hit his first nine passes. He led us on a field goal drive and two touchdown drives. So, Paxton played well. I thought Paxton played well last week and against Chicago, so I’m not surprised he played good football tonight.”

It’s the type of performance he needed to merit consideration for the final roster. Had he performed terribly, it would have likely signaled the end of his career with the Broncos. For now, Lynch is safe — and in less than 24 hours, we will know whether or not he has earned a spot on the final roster. In the end, keeping three quarterbacks might be in the best interest of the team, but that means another highly-talented player will be sent packing.

Two or three quarterbacks? In a tough day for so many players across the league with the whirlwind roster cuts, but that’s most certainly the biggest question facing the decision makers at Dove Valley right now. Rest assured, we will know the answer very shortly.