The Denver Broncos announced Monday that they plan to release quarterback Russell Wilson, a move that will give them the largest “dead money” salary cap hit ($85 million) in NFL history.
Wilson clearly was not a fit for head coach Sean Payton, who will leave no stone unturned in his search for a replacement this offseason.
So, who will replace Wilson in 2024? Right now, Jarrett Stidham and Ben DiNucci are the only QBs on Denver’s roster. Neither of them are likely to start in Week 1.
The Broncos will look at quarterback options in free agency, the draft and perhaps even trade candidates. It would not be surprising if Denver signs a veteran this month and then drafts a rookie in April.
We’ve put together a quick list of 20 quarterbacks the Broncos will likely consider this spring as they look to replace Wilson. NFL free agency officially begins March 13. The draft will be held in Detroit from April 25-27.
1
Caleb Williams (NFL draft)
Williams is widely considered the best quarterback in this year’s class and he is expected to go No. 1 overall in the NFL draft. The Broncos do not pick until 12th overall, so they would need to trade up if they want to land Williams.
2
Drake Maye (NFL draft)
Another top draft prospect, Maye is expected to be a top-three pick. Trading up is possible.
3
Jayden Daniels (NFL draft)
Daniels is the final member of the “Big Three” quarterbacks in this year’s class. Once again, it would take a trade to land him.
4
Kirk Cousins (free agency)
Cousins being on the list might seem outlandish and, admittedly, it’s not a likely scenario, but it would be possible. Even NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero has said he would not rule out Denver making a run at Cousins during free agency.
5
J.J. McCarthy (NFL draft)
There’s been plenty of buzz connecting McCarthy to the Broncos this offseason, with one pundit saying Payton is “quite enamored” with Michigan’s quarterback. With several QB-needy teams above them, Denver might have to move up a few spots if Payton plans to draft McCarthy.
6
Justin Fields (trade)
If the Bears use the No. 1 overall pick to select Williams, the Broncos could consider making a trade for Fields.
7
Bo Nix (NFL draft)
Nix is the first QB prospect on this list who seems to have a decent chance of falling to No. 12 overall, but Denver might be able to trade back a few spots and land Nix later in the first round.
8
Baker Mayfield (free agency)
The Buccaneers probably don’t want to lose Mayfield in free agency, but if the QB decides to leave Tampa Bay, Denver could make him an offer.
9
Jameis Winston (expected free agent)
Winston’s contract is set to void on March 13, so he’s likely to become a free agent soon. The Saints went 5-2 when Payton started Winston as an injury fill-in during the 2021 season.
10
Michael Penix (NFL draft)
Penix is a talented prospect, but he has big injury concerns. He will likely be available when the Broncos go on the clock with the 12th overall pick.
11
Michael Pratt (NFL draft)
Pratt met with the Broncos multiple times at the Senior Bowl and again at the NFL combine. Payton has several connections to Tulane so Pratt will be a mid-round QB to keep an eye on in April.
12
Kyler Murray (trade)
If the Cardinals use the fourth overall pick on a quarterback, they will be open to trading Murray. Denver will consider all scenarios.
13
Jimmy Garoppolo (expected free agent)
The Raiders are expected to release Garoppolo next week. The Broncos could, in theory, sign Jimmy G to a short-term budget deal, but the quarterback’s two-game suspension would be a big drawback.
14
Sam Darnold (free agency)
Darnold would not be a flashy option, but he 56 career starts on his resume. Darnold could serve as a veteran mentor for a rookie QB in 2024.
15
Ryan Tannehill (free agency)
Tannehill has 151 career starts. He’s another veteran mentor candidate.
16
Tyrod Taylor (free agency)
Taylor has mentored several rookie QBs in his career and he has 58 career starts.
17
Gardner Minshew (free agency)
Minshew filled in for an injured Anthony Richardson last season and the Colts went 7-6 are barely missed the playoffs.
18
Jacoby Brissett (free agency)
Brissett has 48 starts on his resume with 51 touchdowns and 23 interceptions.
19
Marcus Mariota (free agency)
Mariota (74 career starts) is another veteran mentor candidate.
20
Spencer Rattler (NFL draft)
If the Broncos don’t land a quarterback in the first round, Rattler will be among their options later in the draft.
