Three QBs the Broncos should consider targeting this offseason

The Denver Broncos will be among the teams in the market for a quarterback this offseason, as they are expected to release Russell Wilson following a disastrous two-year tenure.

Entering the offseason strapped for cash and without a top-10 draft pick, Denver doesn't have many exciting options to choose from, but it can take several different avenues to find a quarterback. Here are three quarterbacks who have varying price points that the Broncos should consider targeting.

Baker Mayfield, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 

Although Mayfield told reporters that he "would love" to re-sign with the Buccaneers following their loss to Detroit in the NFC divisional round, perhaps his stance will change as the offseason progresses. After all, the Buccaneers just lost former OC Dave Canales, who was hired as Carolina's head coach thanks to his work revitalizing the careers of Mayfield and Seahawks QB Geno Smith over the last two seasons.

Should Canales' departure influence Mayfield to seriously consider offers from other teams, Denver should do all it can to land the former No. 1 overall draft pick. Mayfield bounced around the league in 2022, but finally found an NFL home with Tampa Bay and led the team to a division title, along with its first playoff win since the 2021 season. In 17 regular season games, Mayfield posted career-highs in completion rate (64.3%), passing yards (4,044) and touchdowns (28) while throwing just 10 interceptions.

Considering the lofty deals QBs Derek Carr and Daniel Jones secured last offseason, Mayfield's upcoming contract could come at an uncomfortable yet necessary price for the Broncos. Denver's poor cap situation (-$23.7M projected) will only get more complicated once Wilson is released this offseason; however, there's still a path to free up enough money to pursue Mayfield. According to Over the Cap, the Broncos can create $48.3M in cap space through simple contract restructures and $112M through maximum restructures.

Bo Nix, Oregon Ducks 

Denver's most cost-effective way to upgrade at quarterback would be through the 2024 NFL Draft, though since it holds the 12th overall pick, options will be limited. Barring a trade, the Broncos can forget about having a future with any of Caleb Williams, Drake Maye and Jayden Daniels, but there's a chance Nix will still be available at their current draft slot.

Nix isn't a particularly exciting prospect, but his experience, arm talent and strong decision-making skills make him less of a risky selection. No player in college football history has started more games than Nix (61), and the 23-year-old could step in and compete for Denver's starting job as a rookie. 

Despite a lackluster stint at Auburn, Nix reinvented himself over his two seasons with the Ducks, emerging as one of the top players in the country and a Heisman Trophy finalist. In 2023, Nix led the nation in passing touchdowns (45) and ranked second in passing yards (4,508) while only throwing three interceptions in addition to setting the NCAA single-season record for completion rate (77.4%).

Gardner Minshew II, Indianapolis Colts 

If Jarrett Stidham's two starts - where he threw for 496 yards, two touchdowns and one interception - impressed HC Sean Payton enough to put him in contention for the 2024 starting job, Denver should bring in a budget-friendly competitor. Minshew, a 37-game starter in the NFL, would be an ideal candidate, especially considering his unexpectedly solid 2023 season with Indianapolis.

As a fill-in for injured rookie QB Anthony Richardson, Minshew racked up 3,305 passing yards and 18 total touchdowns in 17 games, including 13 starts. While the stats aren't eye-popping, Indianapolis finished as the 10th-ranked scoring offense (23.3 points per game) under Minshew’s guidance and was in playoff contention entering Week 18.

By signing Minshew, the Broncos could remain competitive in what should be a tougher AFC West next season while still giving the team the option to draft a quarterback.