With a new, offensive-minded head coach at the helm, the Denver Broncos have entered this offseason concentrated on landing the right quarterback, who's fully equipped to command a unit comprised of talented skill players and help snap the franchise's six-year playoff drought. It's their top priority.
The Broncos have options. And general manager George Paton said as much during a press conference on Tuesday, telling reporters that "everything is on the table" in regard to the team's pursuit of a quarterback. So, which direction will the team go? Are they keeping a close eye on the trade market? With the No. 9 pick in the draft, could they take a prospect? According to former team tackle Ryan Harris, Denver will likely play it safe and bring back a familiar face.
"Teddy Bridgewater. Are you ready for some more Teddy Bridgewater, some more baseball quarterback?" Harris told The Zach Gelb Show on Wednesday. "He's going to get good numbers, good completion percentage. Never mind that it's over 10 yards. But sometimes the safe pick is the way to go. I think Teddy Bridgewater is going to be offered another opportunity here. And that means, hopefully, they get a guy in the draft.
"I'll tell you what, though, I really like Desmond Ridder in the second or third round, out of Cincinnati. So, Teddy Bridgewater to start, with hopefully Ridder or somebody like [UNC's] Sam Howell coming in halfway through the year to take it over... [Bridgewater] could [make the playoffs]. But he'd have to throw for 20 touchdowns for the first time in his career. And at some point, you are what you are..."
Bridgewater, who's about to become an unrestricted free agent this March, signed a one-year deal with the Broncos last season, and started 14 games under center. His time on the field was cut short in mid-December, however, as he suffered a scary head injury and was immediately sent to the hospital. Fortunately, his stay in the hospital wasn't long, and in January, he said that he intends to continue his playing career.
The Broncos have handed the controls over to Nathaniel Hackett, who spent the past three seasons as the Green Bay Packers' offensive coordinator. Last year, Denver finished last in the competitive AFC West with a 7-10 record, and its offense ranked 23rd in the league in average points (19.7), 19th in average yards (330.5), and 19th in average passing yards (211.4). The Broncos haven't averaged more than 23 points points per game since 2014.
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