The Denver Broncos missed out on another potential quarterback option when Justin Fields was traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers on March 16.
With the search for a replacement for Russell Wilson seemingly running out of options, fans are becoming impatient. Broncos supporters expressed their frustration on social media, with one fan posting on X (formerly Twitter), “The Broncos couldn’t afford a 6th rounder for Justin Fields? Broncos are competing with the Rockies for the most unserious franchise in Denver,” on March 17.
Two other fans expressed the sentiment that Denver would regret missing out on the trade, citing its low-risk, high-reward potential.
An observer expressed frustration, stating, “I’m going to be very disappointed if the Broncos end up with Zach Wilson and no quarterback in the draft, considering how little it cost to acquire Justin Fields.”
Another fan on X expressed confusion, saying, “Did I want Justin Fields as the long-term QB? No, not really, but how do you not send a conditional 6th rounder for him? If he plays well, flip him at the deadline next season and get more than what you paid for him.”
Mike Klis of 9NEWS Denver humorously compared the Broncos’ missed opportunities in the quarterback market to Prom night, stating, “This QB free agent/trade market feels like Prom night. And Broncos still don’t have a date.”
With quarterback options dwindling, Will Petersen of Denver Sports placed all the pressure on head coach Sean Payton.
“The Broncos could’ve afforded this price. Sean Payton just didn’t want him. He better get this draft pick right,” Petersen posted on X on March 16.
Lou Scataglia of Predominantly Orange speculated that the Broncos’ lack of action in the trade market for quarterbacks may have been intentional. Scataglia suggested that perhaps Denver’s top quarterback option all along was Jarrett Stidham.
“Jarrett Stidham is somewhere between the 35th and 45th best quarterback in football,” Scataglia wrote in his March 16 article. “And so is Sam Darnold, and Mac Jones, and Jimmy Garoppolo, and Ryan Tannehill, and Justin Fields, and literally any other veteran QB that some thought the Broncos should have signed/acquired. So I ask, what if Stidham was seen as the bridge guy this entire time?”
Stidham signed a two-year, $10 million contract with the Broncos in March 2023. He started the final two games of the regular season after Wilson was benched.
On March 14, Klis reported that Denver appeared to be “leaning toward” starting Stidham in the 2024 campaign.
Despite rumors, the Broncos’ quarterback situation remains uncertain for Sean Payton and the team.
The direction the Broncos will take at quarterback in 2024 may become clearer after the first round of the NFL draft. Currently, there are very few veteran quarterback options available.
Ryan Tannehill is one option, as well as Carson Wentz and Josh Dobbs. Denver had a close look at Dobbs in a Week 11 victory over the Minnesota Vikings.
Dobbs completed 20-of-32 passes for 221 yards, two total touchdowns, and an interception in the 21-20 loss.
With the No. 12 pick in the NFL draft, the Broncos could be out of position to draft the top quarterback prospects. Next season may be a much-needed rebuilding year for a team that has had limited success at the quarterback position since Peyton Manning retired.
