Head coach Sean Payton of the Denver Broncos is causing uncertainty in the quarterback situation. Despite Russell Wilson being under contract for five more years and owed a massive amount of money, he has started accepting offers on his Colorado home. Wilson’s relationship with Payton is also in question following his benching last season. Payton has openly admitted that he has yet to find a quarterback he truly loves. Interestingly, Wilson doesn’t fit Payton’s description of what he looks for in a quarterback.
However, this description does align with the skills displayed by New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones during his rookie season. Derrik Klassen of the 33rd Team argues that Jones could be a potential fit and reclamation project for Payton, similar to Teddy Bridgewater in previous years. Klassen suggests that the Denver Broncos might be interested in Jones, as Payton’s frustrations with Wilson stem from his inability to handle pre-snap and full dropback game situations as Payton is accustomed to with his quarterbacks.
The pairing of Sean Payton and Mac Jones would be a perfect match. Jones would have the opportunity for a fresh start, while Payton would have a quarterback who can effectively execute his offensive strategies. Former Saints quarterback Drew Brees has stated that Wilson’s skills do not align with what Payton desires in a quarterback. According to Brees, Wilson excels in the deep ball, run game, read-option plays, RPO game, and heavy play-action scenarios. On the other hand, Klassen believes that Jones, despite his limitations, has the potential to thrive under Payton’s guidance, just like Bridgewater did in the past.
Mac Jones, the New England Patriots’ quarterback, is facing uncertainty about his future with the team. After a disappointing season in 2023, where his completion percentage dropped and his interception rate reached a career-worst, the Patriots have decided not to exercise his fifth-year option. This decision has put Jones in a state of “quarterback purgatory,” with doubts about whether he can regain his rookie form.
The Denver Broncos have emerged as a potential landing spot for Jones. The Broncos currently have Jarrett Stidham as their only competition for the starting job, and it is expected that Stidham will get his shot at being QB1 next season. However, with Stidham’s limited experience and the uncertainty surrounding his performance, the Broncos may need to consider other options.
One possibility for the Broncos is to acquire Jones through a trade. Given his regression in performance and the character concerns that have arisen throughout his career, the Patriots might be willing to part ways with him for a late-round draft pick. However, this would require the Broncos to use their limited draft capital, and it remains to be seen if Jones is worth the investment.
Another option for the Broncos is to look towards the upcoming draft. Head coach Vic Fangio could select his own project passer, someone who isn’t facing the pressure of a new contract after next season. This would give the team more control and flexibility in developing a young quarterback for the future.
Ultimately, the Broncos are faced with a decision regarding their quarterback situation. Whether they choose to pursue a trade for Mac Jones or look towards the draft, they must carefully weigh their options and consider the long-term implications for the team. The future of the Broncos’ quarterback position hangs in the balance, and it remains to be seen how they will address this crucial decision.
According to the Source heavy.com