Welcome back to another installment of the captivating saga known as the Denver Broncos’ quarterback dilemma.
The question remains: do they stick with their current position at the 12th pick and select whichever available quarterback fits the bill? Or should they go all-in, trading valuable assets to secure a top prospect like Drake Maye or Jayden Daniels? Alternatively, perhaps they should explore reconciling with Russell Wilson or Jarrett Stidham?
The uncertainty surrounding the Broncos’ quarterback situation leaves fans longing for a definitive solution. However, recent discussions among Broncos’ media members suggest that one name might not elicit enthusiastic reactions from fans.
Andrew Mason and Cecil Lammey of DenverSports.com deliberated on their Orange and Blue podcast, proposing that Sam Darnold, a former third-overall pick with stints at the New York Jets, Carolina Panthers, and most recently the San Francisco 49ers, could be a viable option as the Broncos’ starter for 2024.
Their argument is grounded in the notion that Darnold, currently a free agent, could provide a cost-effective solution, with potential for improvement under the guidance of Sean Payton, leveraging his experience with quarterback development. Despite his underwhelming performance thus far, Darnold, at just 26 years old, still carries the promise that once made him a highly-touted prospect.
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While Darnold’s past endeavors have been mixed, including a promising start in Carolina followed by a decline due to inconsistent play and injuries, there are glimpses of potential, especially considering his recent exposure to Kyle Shanahan’s coaching in San Francisco.
Sean Payton’s track record with redemption projects like Teddy Bridgewater and Jameis Winston raises the question: could he revive Darnold’s career? Yet, it’s premature to dismiss Darnold as anything more than a temporary solution, rather than a franchise quarterback.
The optimal strategy for the Broncos likely involves drafting a franchise quarterback, even if it necessitates trading up. However, with no standout prospects akin to Andrew Luck, the chosen quarterback may face a learning curve, adapting to the NFL’s demands and the intricacies of Payton’s playbook.
In the interim, the team requires a capable quarterback to hold the fort. While options like Jarrett Stidham have shown inconsistency, Darnold presents a low-risk, high-reward opportunity. If he can grasp Payton’s playbook, Darnold could effectively lead the team while the future franchise quarterback develops.
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