The Denver Broncos’ decision to trade for quarterback Teddy Bridgewater one day before the 2021 NFL Draft could have wide-ranging ramifications within the top 10.
Initially, indications were that the Broncos would avoid quarterback with the ninth pick in the draft and roll with Bridgewater and Drew Lock competing for the starting job this summer.
That might not be the case. According to Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated, the Broncos could end up trading Lock should they land Justin Fields or Trey Lance Thursday evening. Breer notes that the Minnesota Vikings could be a potential landing spot.
“One veteran quarterback who could be moved this weekend: Denver third-year man Drew Lock. If the Broncos land Justin Fields or Trey Lance (which I think is a possibility), there’s a strong perception that Lock will be on the block starting Friday,” the NFL insider reported. “One potential destination I’ve heard for Lock is Minnesota, a team that could use an affordable backup with upside.”
A second-round pick out of Missouri in 2019, the 6-foot-4 Lock played well as a rookie — throwing seven touchdowns against three interceptions in five starts. Unfortunately, he struggled this past season.
The young signal caller tied for the league lead with 15 interceptions while throwing a mere 16 touchdowns in 13 starts. It’s led to the Denver Broncos seeking an upgrade under center. Below, we look at three potential fits for Lock as he attempts to resurrect a fledgling career.
Broncos trade Lock to Vikings
As Breer noted, the Vikings could be a potential fit. They have uninspiring QB Kirk Cousins under center, and there’s a natural fit here with new Broncos general manager George Paton having been part of the Vikings’ front office over the past 14 seasons.
There’s also a fit with Jake Browning and Nate Stanley as the only two backups behind Cousins in Minnesota. Could a deal be worked out for a mid-round pick? With Cousins under contract through only the 2022 season, it could make some sense.
Lock to the San Francisco 49ers
Here’s a curveball ahead of the 2021 NFL Draft. San Francisco reportedly put in a call to the Green Bay Packers for Aaron Rodgers with mere hours to go before it is slated to select a quarterback No. 3 overall. The overriding assumption is that the 49ers are going quarterback after moving two future first-round picks and change to trade up from 12 to three.
However, there’s a “what if” factor in play here. That includes San Francisco absolutely shocking the football world and going with a generational tight end prospect in Kyle Pitts at three. In turn, it trades a mid-round pick to the Broncos for Lock to compete with Jimmy Garoppolo for the starting job. Stranger things have indeed happened.
Broncos move Lock to the Washington Football Team
We’ve read reports that new Washington general manager Martin Mayhew could very well look to pull off a blockbuster trade for top quarterback prospect Trey Lance. Selecting 19th overall, said move would cost Washington an absolutely huge bounty given the trade market right now.
Instead, WFT opts to acquire Lock for a mid-round pick. He’d sit behind free-agent signing Ryan Fitzpatrick for the 2021 season before potentially taking over next year. For his part, Lock couldn’t ask for a better way to resurrect his career behind the ultimate pro in FitzMagic.
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