INDIANAPOLIS — For kicks, let’s go with the slim possibility Russell Wilson stays in Denver for the 2024 season.
The Broncos would still likely bring in a new quarterback to join him and Jarrett Stidham.
“I think where we’re picking if there’s a quarterback there that you think is a franchise-type quarterback you definitely have to look at it,’’ Broncos general manager George Paton said in an interview with 9NEWS. “No matter who you have there.”
That’s the draft. The Broncos may also come away with a quarterback from free agency. Sam Darnold, Ryan Tannehill, Mason Rudolph and Gardner Minshew are some of the possibilities.
“It’s a solid class,’’ Paton said. “Some bridge-type guys who can maybe hit on. Last year at this time, Baker Mayfield, everybody thought he was done and he went and took Tampa Bay to the playoffs. We’ve done a lot of work on those players. Can’t really speak about them they’re all under contract but I think it’s a solid class overall.”
What besides QB is a Broncos’ priority this offseason?
“I don’t give want to give all our needs but we need to solidify the tight end position,’’ Paton said. “Obviously, (Greg) Dulcich has been hurt. But we need a weapon in the middle of the field. Felt like we missed that.”
Dalton Schultz, Hunter Henry, Gerald Everett, Mike Gesecki and former Bronco Noah Fant are the top receiving tight ends in free agency. Tight ends who can be had in the middle rounds could include Ja’Tavion Sanders, Tanner McLachlan, Cade Stover, Jared Wiley, Ben Sinnott and Colorado State’s Dallin Holker.
The Broncos' top tigh end in 2023, Adam Trautman, is a free agent.
“Defensively, we have some key guys that are up (for free agency),’’ Paton said. “We have Josey Jewell, (Mike) Purcell, P.J. Locke, so sometimes filling needs is re-signing your own. We need to sort through that. It’s a big puzzle right now. We’ll talk to all the agents down here and we’ll get a pulse for what’s going on and hopefully make the best decision.”
SUGGESTED VIDEOS: Sports