2021 Broncos' Season, Off-Season Questions, Drew Lock

 


For the Broncos, the off-season is here. George Paton was hired to serve as GM and Vic Fangio is staying as coach, but there are plenty of other questions to answer. As we head into the off-season, I'll be considering these topics each week.

This week's question is about Drew Lock. Lock was drafted in the second round of the 2019 draft with the thought he could be the future of the franchise. That rookie season, he was injured in the pre-season and spent a bulk of the season on IR. He came off IR and started the final five games of the season, going 4-1 in those starts with 1,020 yards, seven TDs and three INTs. That gave fans, and the team, excitement heading into 2020.

But Lock didn't progress as much as hoped. He started slow, and was injured in Week 2 against the Steelers. Lock ended up starting just 13 games, going 4-9 on the season with 2,933 yards, 16 TDs and 15 INTs. That lackluster, up-and-down performance combined with an 8-10 record as a starter has the Broncos uncertain about perhaps the most important position in football heading into 2021.

The question of what to do at the quarterback position, and what to do with Lock, is one of the biggest that Paton will face this off-season. And it appears the Broncos aren't content to just stand pat. Last week the Detroit Lions traded Matthew Stafford to the Los Angeles Rams, but this week it broke that the Broncos made a substantial offer. Dan Patrick reported Denver offered Lock and the ninth pick in the 2021 NFL draft for Stafford. That alone shows that the new general manager is open to moving on from Lock.

Denver has been linked to a possible offer for Texans' quarterback Deshaun Watson, too. But that seems like a longshot. Still, the reveal that the Broncos were serious players in the Stafford talks reveal that nothing is off the table this off-season.

The Broncos currently have three quarterbacks under contract for 2021. Lock, fellow third-year quarterback Brett Rypien and veteran Jeff Driskel. Driskel was signed last off-season to provide depth and competition but struggled when his number was called to the point Rypien was the starter when Lock was out. Even if Lock remains and is given a chance to develop into the franchise leader, the Broncos should at a minimum upgrade on Driskel, who can be released with just $750,000 in dead cap space.

In fact, that's the approach I think the Broncos should take. Lock hasn't been incredible, but he's shown signs, including having a decent stretch to close the season. I like the idea that he's back and in the mix to start. But I also like the idea of bringing in real veteran competition.

A couple names stand out to me. The first is Mitch Trubisky, coming off his rookie deal in Chicago. He showed strong in the second half of the season, and is a veteran with promise that needs a fresh start. Another strong option would be Ryan Fitzpatrick, who has played that role for many teams, including Miami the past two seasons. He was a big reason the Dolphins nearly made the playoffs and could be a great push for Lock, or possibly a decent starter for the Broncos.

Denver is a team with a lot of promising pieces but questions at the biggest position on the football field. I'm not ready to bail on Lock just yet, but I don't think the Broncos can go into another season with no options. Hopefully Paton can recognize that and make some moves this off-season.

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