While the news about Kubes, Munchak and Scangarello got all of the pub Monday, this quote by Elway got buried a bit. It shouldn’t have.

John Elway says Case Keenum ‘is probably a short-term fix,’ so will Broncos target QB in 2019 NFL Draft? - CBSSports.com

”[W]e’ve got to -- Case is probably a short-term fix -- find the long-term guy for us,” Elway told Peter King of “Football Morning in America.” “When we do find that guy, we’ve got to have the continuity on the offensive side to where we can train him and develop him and get him there. This is our fourth offense in probably three or four years. Quarterbacks need to be developed. You don’t find one ready-made. We got to have a solid system in place for when we do go after whatever guy it may be, a young guy or a trade or whatnot.”

It probably should have been obvious back when Elway said that he was going to shake some trees to see if a quarterback earlier this month, but let there be no doubt: The Broncos are back to big game hunting at the game’s most important position.

Who’s the target?

Carson Wentz

As a bit of a trial balloon, I threw a poll out during the playoff games Sunday to see how Broncos fans would react to a hypothetical Wentz trade. Nearly 80% of you supported the idea of trading for the 2nd overall pick. Debate got a bit more heated when I suggested it would cost 2 first rounders, and for good reason.

If you’re the Broncos, 2 first rounders seems steep until you realize Wentz is only 26 years old and has already thrown for over 10 thousand yards and 70 touchdowns in his young career. He’s thrown an interception on just 1.9% of his passes and has looked like the textbook franchise quarterback when he’s been on the field. Additionally, he would hit the cap for less than $10 million in 2019.

Of course, if you’re the Eagles 2 first rounders may seem perfect considering the fact that Wentz has had multiple injury issues crop up since 2015. Any one of them could be little more than really bum luck, but taken together they build a bit of a laundry list that makes his $26.2 million option year as well as a huge money extension scarier than it should be for such a talented player.

Joe Flacco

If you’re looking for a proven veteran without sacrificing draft picks, Flacco’s the guy. He’s played in 163 games over his NFL career and has only missed time to injury in 2018 and ‘15. During that time he’s thrown for just over 38,000 yards and 200 touchdowns while completing 61.7% of his passes. John Harbaugh called him the best quarterback in Ravens’ history and for good reason: Baltimore doesn’t win Super Bowl XLVII without Rahim Moore Joe Flacco.

So why is he available? In one word: cost. In a couple sentences: his production has failed to keep up with his exorbitant cap number. Following the Super Bowl run, Flacco signed a 6-year, $120.6 million deal that was so ugly that the Ravens had to extend it in 2015 to try and spread out the cap hits. As it stands, the Ravens will eat a cool $16 million dollars if they cut Flacco this offseason. Lamar Jackson looked promising enough during his rookie season to push Flacco out the door anyways, and all reports suggest the 33-year old will hit the market.

It is worth noting that Baltimore’s front office remains optimistic that they’ll be able to trade Flacco and while that may be the case, I’m a bit dubious. Teams know he’s gone and while it only takes one to make an offer; the fact that his cost is so onerous and the Ravens all but need to move him will hurt their negotiating power.

So why should the Broncos make a deal? I’ve been highly critical of any such talk, personally. Flacco looked like a shell of his former self for the two seasons following his back injury. Last year he looked better, but a 33-year old who’s QBR hasn’t crossed the 60 mark since 2014 for $20 million? Hard pass for me.

Teddy Bridgewater

If you like the great unknown, Teddy B could be just what the doctor ordered. Back in 2015, the Vikings first round quarterback completed 65% of his passes for 3231 yards and 14 touchdowns in an offense ill suited to his talents. If not for Blair Walsh pulling for a Cody Parkely, Minnesota beats the Seattle Seahawks and advance to the divisional round of the playoffs.

2016 was the year everything was supposed to come together for Teddy’s Vikings, only to see him suffer one of the more grotesque leg injuries this side of Alex Smith. Some wondered if it would be career ending, but almost 2 seasons of recovery later Bridgewater threw passes in an NFL game. During the 2018 offseason he was a buy low option for the Jets who played so well in the preseason New York traded him for a third rounder to a the New Orleans Saints.

Prior to week 17, Bridgewater was a sought out man. The preseason form fresh in the minds of the media, word on the street seemed to be that Teddy would test the market after the Saints season ended and become a starter in 2019. Then he filled in for a resting Drew Brees and looked ho-hum against the Carolina Panthers, which has cast his future in doubt.

In many ways, Teddy Bridgewater is a bit like Colin Kaepernick. People’s views on the two often say more about who they are as players and more about the people speaking. I’m personally a fan of both, but wouldn’t hand $10+ million in starter money to either in 2019. A smart team could do worse than give Bridgewater a chance to compete for a starting job in camp with an incentive laden deal worked out, but a desperate team will probably make him and they look silly this spring.

All signs are it won’t be Elway and the Broncos.

Nick Foles

The magic man. How you feel about Foles probably speaks volumes about your belief in the intangibles and how important they are to the quarterback position. Anyone who’s paid attention knows that Nick Foles beat Tom Brady’s Patriots in a shootout fashion last February. Did you know he’s also been a Pro Bowler?

Everyone knows about the run Foles made last year, but his numbers this season in relief of Carson Wentz may be more remarkable. The 7-year veteran completed 72.3% of his passes for 7 touchdowns and 4 picks during the regular season as he helped steer the Eagles back into the playoffs. If not for an Alshon Jeffrey error on the potential go ahead drive, he’s still playing for the Lombardi. Simply put, he’s been the best story in football for two years.

That doesn’t mean the Broncos should sell the farm to sign him though. Elway’s already tried magic men and if Case Keenum lived up to the fairy dust, Denver wouldn’t be doing the QB dance again so soon. Foles has improved during his tenure in Philadelphia, but outside of a green jersey he’s looked abysmal. Combine that with the fact that he’ll cost in excess of $15-20 million on the open market in 2019? You’re betting a lot of futures on the hope that he isn’t fool’s gold.

The Rookie well

Probably the safest option from a monetary perspective, though perhaps a bit unsettling from the talent perspective. Word has been that this may be the weakest QB crop since E.J. Manuel was the only first round quarterback in the 2013 draft. You’ll hear often that the same was said about the 2017 class that produced Deshaun Watson, Patrick Mahomes and Mitch Trubisky, but I can promise you its nothing more than a narrative.

This year’s class is now headlined by Kyler Murray and Dwayne Haskins. Fitting, as the two finished the season 1-2 for Heisman voting. Both were 1-year starters for their respective franchises and both come with serious questions. Haskins played in an Urban Meyer offense and had shaky accuracy at times during the 2018 season while Kyler Murray could stand at as little as 5’9. The fact that they headline the class should speak volumes.

Beyond those two is the quarterback Elway and the Broncos have been linked to most often so far: Missouri’s Drew Lock. The 6’4 22-year old looks the part and has the kind of numbers to suggest he’s far safer than the bigger names. A redshirt junior, he’s thrown for 12,193 yards and 99 touchdowns in his collegiate years to just 39 interceptions. There are questions, however. Some have noted that his mechanics and poise under pressure leaves a lot to be desired. He’s also completed just 56.9% of his passes during his career, a glaring red flag that would be damning for me, if not for the fact that it jumped every year of his career; from 49% as a freshman to 62.9% last season.

There are definitely other names to watch: Duke’s Daniel Jones has garnered some first round hype. Buffalo’s Tyree Jackson, North Dakota State’s Easton Stick and Boise State’s Brett Rypien could all surprise. In a way, the numerous possibilities have led to one elementary certainty for Elway.

The quarterback decision will define the Denver Broncos going forward.

Your Broncos Links

Roundtable: What should the Denver Broncos do at quarterback? - Mile High Report

Coach is settled, now what should the Broncos do at Quarterback?

We discussed this last week, but I still want to know what you think Broncos Country

Gary Kubiak joins the Minnesota Vikings in an offensive advisory role - Mile High Report

Kubes is off to Minnesota

Gary Kubiak and his son get jobs on Vikings staff – ProFootballTalk

After the Broncos passed over Gary Kubiak, the Vikings are hiring him. Kubiak will join the Vikings’ coaching staff, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports. It is unclear what Kubiak’s title will be on a staff where Kevin Stefanski will be the offensive coordinator.

Who should the Denver Broncos hire to be their offensive coordinator? - Mile High Report

Kubiak is out. Now what?

Report: Broncos finally receive permission to interview 49ers QB coach Rich Scangarello - Mile High Report

He will likely be the Broncos Offensive Coordinator in 2019.

49ers: QBs coach took lowly job so he could learn from Kyle Shanahan | The Sacramento Bee

“I would say the one thing I could truly appreciate beyond anything with coach Shanahan is that he’s trying to score on every single play he calls,” Scangarello said. “And I never thought that way as a play caller in the pass game. Sometimes I was thinking more about staying on schedule. And he was always thinking, ‘How can we attack the defense and create explosive (plays)?’ It really changed my mindset for the better.”

Nick Mullens credits Rich Scangarello for bringing him to the 49ers, eager for Seahawks rematch | 49ers Webzone

”Coach Scangarello, he pretty much found me,” Mullens said. “I was at East-West Shrine game in [St. Petersburg, Florida] and I guess he liked the things that I did in that game and in those practices. And then he followed up with me with a phone call after that.

Report: Broncos agree to terms with Mike Munchak to be their Offensive Line coach - Mile High Report

This is a huge get for the Broncos.

To Broncos fans, Steelers Ben Roethlisberger a better blocker than QB - Mile High Report

Have you been blocked? I have.

Veteran players excited about Fangio’s disciplined approach - ‘We need that’ - Mile High Report

Both Chris Harris and Emmanuel Sanders expressed their excitement for the Vic Fangio hire, saying his discipline is what their young team needs.

Broncos Steve Atwater holds his own when compared to Ronnie Lott - Mile High Report

When the selection committee weighs the candidacy of Atwater, it should be abundantly clear he’s one of the best to ever play the safety position.

Could Colin Kaepernick be the next Denver QB? - Mile High Report

Coaches like to put faith in players and people they already know and trust. Could Fangio go all in for the polarizing yet ultra-talented quarterback who he shared a locker room with in San Francisco?

On to the Conference Title Games for the Saints, Patriots, Rams, Chiefs | SI.com

Broncos star Von Miller, who at one point was a young guy who had trouble keeping out of trouble, and has since grown into a great, great example for all his younger teammates. I came across his name combing through stuff for this week’s shoutout, and saw that he led a $200,000 commitment to SHIELD616, a program to improve the public’s relationship with local law enforcement, late last year. Then I popped over to the team’s Twitter, and saw the effort made there to raise $25,000 for Von’s Vision, his foundation to help Denver-area youth in need eye exams and eyewear. You get the idea—Miller really is working all over the place with this stuff. Good for him. He was always a good-hearted guy, and he’s come a long way over the last five or six years.

Solak Mock Draft 4.0 - The Draft Network

10. Denver Broncos Dwayne Haskins, QB, Ohio State I don’t condone the pick, but it’s the best QB on the board — just hope GM John Elway and whoever ends up being his offensive coordinator agree with me. That Vic Fangio hire is swell, and he may push to add a disruptive interior force (Jeffery Simmons), rangy LB (Devin White) or Chris Harris replacement (Byron Murphy) — but QB is the trump card here. Haskins will be better after a year of development, and I think he’ll have that time as Denver rebuilds their offensive line and settles under a new head coach. Haskins and second-year WR DaeSean Hamilton could become something fun, given their relative strengths.

5 Shrine Game Prospects Primed to Shine - The Draft Network

Detailing five NFL Draft prospects primed for strong performances at the 2019 Shrine Game.

Top 2019 Shrine Game Prospects By Position - The Draft Network

With the 2019 Shrine Game lurking next week, who are the best talents at each position? Meet the top talent at this year’s event.

The Super Bowl Contenders

Twelve things we learned from Divisional Round games - NFL.com

All four home teams advanced this weekend. The Chiefs and Patriots knocked out the contending Colts and Chargers, while the Saints and Rams held on against the Eagles and Cowboys.

Sunday could be the coldest game in Arrowhead Stadium history - Arrowhead Pride

The National Weather Service is projecting an “arctic blast” in Kansas City Sunday.

Chiefs coach Andy Reid could win the NFL Triple Crown for head coaches - Arrowhead Pride

With a win against the Patriots, Reid could achieve a rare feat — and with one more, an even rarer one.

Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes started fast in his first ever playoff game - Arrowhead Pride

Mahomes had the Chiefs out to a 14-point lead over the Colts after only two offensive possessions.

Chiefs Andy Reid: defensive turnaround, Patriots, and pretty neat stuff - Arrowhead Pride

The Chiefs head coach met with the media on Monday

2019 AFC Championship: Clete Blakeman the referee for Patriots vs. Chiefs - Pats Pulpit

Cleteman was the referee for last year’s AFC title game as well.

Bill Belichick explains why Tom Brady stayed in late against the Chargers - Pats Pulpit

A little insight into the coach’s mind.

Bill Belichick explains why Tom Brady stayed in late against the Chargers - Pats Pulpit

A little insight into the coach’s mind.

10 similarities between the 2018 Saints and the 2009 Super Bowl run - Canal Street Chronicles

The coincidences are scary.

Game Balls from the Saints exhilarating 20-14 playoff victory over the Eagles - Canal Street Chronicles

New Orleans responds from an early knockdown to knock out the defending champs.

2 ups and 2 downs from yesterday’s divisional win over the Eagles - Canal Street Chronicles

Two “Ups” and two “Downs” from the game.

LA Rams versus Dallas Cowboys: Revisiting five Cowboys - Turf Show Times

Elijah Kim revisits the five Cowboys that played their role, one way or another, in an effort that came up short against the Rams.

LA Rams versus Dallas Cowboys: Highlight/Lowlight - Turf Show Times

Let’s take a look at the best and worst play of the NFC Divisional round playoff game

LA Rams vs. Dallas Cowboys: Best overreaction? The run defense is fixed - Turf Show Times

It would seem that all the Rams needed to stop the run was some good old fashioned disrespect.

Rams say Cowboys defense tipped its hand – ProFootballTalk

After the Seahawks’ Week Three victory over Dallas, receiver Doug Baldwin said Seattle diagnosed some of the Cowboys’ defensive calls due to the hand signals used to communicate between players.

Michael Thomas lets his record day do the talking in Saints’ win - NFL.com

With strong hands and even stronger willpower, Michael Thomas carried the Saints to a Divisional Round win over the defending champs. Jim Trotter spoke to the wideout after his 171-yard performance.

Gronkowski says he hasn’t ‘thought about’ retirement - NFL.com

Asked if Sunday’s win over the Chargers was his final home game, Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski insisted that he hadn’t thought about it, saying he was only focused on winning.

Tom Brady after Pats’ rout: ‘Everyone thinks we suck’ - NFL.com

By their special standard, the Patriots have been less than perfect. But their win over the Chargers reminded the NFL of their presence, even if “everyone thinks we suck,” as Tom Brady said.

The Saints’ Lost Season: How Sean Payton and His Players Survived and Moved On From 2012 | SI.com

Three years removed from their Super Bowl year, the Saints hit the depths—Bountygate, suspensions and, in the end, the NFL’s all-time worst defense. How do you pick up from that and move on? Start with the coach, and the handful of players who endured it all.

Rams use comments, trash-talk as motivation vs. Cowboys | SI.com

After listening to plenty of comments and trash talk, the Rams got the opportunity to clap back after defeating the Cowboys 30–22 and advancing to the NFC championship.

Sean McVay takes on NFL’s best head coach minds in conference title games | SI.com

If Sean McVay and the Rams get blown out against the Saints in next weekend’s NFC championship game, how will that modify our thinking about the NFL’s newest head coaching hires and the offensive revolution?

The rest of the NFL Links

Which teams would pursue Nick Foles? – ProFootballTalk

If, as it appears, the Eagles will be keeping quarterback Carson Wentz and relinquishing their rights to quarterback Nick Foles, where will Foles land? The first question becomes whether he’ll exit as a free agent.

Carson Wentz: No long-term issue with back – ProFootballTalk

Carson Wentz and his doctors can’t “pinpoint exactly when” his back injury happened. The medical staff discovered the fracture after the Eagles’ loss to the Cowboys on Dec. 9.

Jerry Rice: Antonio Brown “really badly” wants to play for 49ers – ProFootballTalk

Antonio Brown may never reach Jerry Rice’s level of accomplishments. But according to Rice, he wants to wear the same uniform. During an interview on 95.

Adam Vinatieri has no plans to retire if Colts want him - NFL.com

Adam Vinatieri might’ve had the worst game of his future Hall of Fame career in Saturday’s loss to the Chiefs, but he has no plans to hang up his kicking boot.

Antonio Gates wants to return to Chargers for 2019 - NFL.com

Veteran tight end Antonio Gates says he doesn’t see himself walking away from football after the Los Angeles Chargers’ blowout loss to the New England Patriots in the Divisional Round.

Larry Fitzgerald will take time to decide on future - NFL.com

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald said he plans to “take a little time” to decide on his future with the team. Will the veteran wideout return for his 16th NFL season?

Browns expected to hire Todd Monken as OC, Steve Wilks as DC | SI.com

Freddie Kitchens is reportedly adding two notable names to his Browns staff.

Packers hire Nathaniel Hackett as offensive coordinator – ProFootballTalk

The Packers are hiring Nathaniel Hackett as their offensive coordinator, Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reports. New coach Matt LaFleur also interviewed former Buccaneers offensive coordinator Todd Monken for the job, but the Browns hired Monken as their offensive coordinator.

Adam Gase excited about working with Sam Darnold “this early in his career” – ProFootballTalk

The Jets formally introduced Adam Gase as their new head coach at a Monday press conference and CEO Christopher Johnson said during his comments that Gase impressed the team because he is “coaching to where football is going” in the years to come.