Getty Denver Broncos President of Football Operations John Elway could target Carson Wentz if the Broncos' pursuit of Aaron Rodgers fails.
The Denver Broncos could look in an unlikely place – an AFC rival – for their next quarterback.
Though many observers believe the Broncos will make a run at the Green Bay Packers‘ Aaron Rodgers, CBS Sports’ Cody Benjamin suggested that Denver could be a favorite to sign Indianapolis Colts quarterback Carson Wentz. On February 15, oddsmakers listed the Broncos as the second most likely team to employ Rodgers in 2022 – after the Packers.
“Aaron Rodgers is the dream, but a far-fetched one, considering his improved relationship with the Packers,” Benjamin wrote on February 16. “Unless it’s Russell Wilson (also unlikely) or Deshaun Watson (who has a big off-field asterisk), would they rather pay for Jimmy Garoppolo, who’s maybe slightly safer than Teddy Bridgewater? With plenty of cap space, (the Broncos) could afford to pair Wentz with a rookie and give themselves multiple options after 2022.”
Bridgewater, 29, was the team’s starter in the 2021 season. But he is expected to enter free agency next month. During the Broncos’ three games of the season, backup quarterback Drew Lock, 25, had an opportunity to show he still deserved a chance at being the Broncos’ franchise quarterback. However, he went winless, throwing just one touchdown.
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Why Broncos May Miss Out on Rodgers
Benjamin’s “far-fetched” point appears well-founded because, according to a February 13 ESPN report, the Packers will do everything in their power to go all-in to retain their four-time MVP.
Though the Packers face a dreadful salary cap situation, there are several steps they can take to maneuver financially in such a way that lets them keep Rodgers, 38, in 2022 and beyond.
If Rodgers is taken off the table, Wentz could become a viable option for the Broncos. And Wentz, 29, could prove to be more than a one-year solution at quarterback, holding down the position as Broncos find a quarterback in the draft and develop him.
Why Broncos Could Target Wentz
Wentz’s value fell after his failure to lead the Colts to a season-finale victory over the lowly Jacksonville Jaguars and a spot in the playoffs. However, he would be better than any of the 11 quarterbacks the Broncos have had since Peyton Manning retired in 2016.
In 2021, Wentz threw 27 touchdowns against seven interceptions for an interception rate of 1.4%, the third-lowest in the league, behind only Rodgers and Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins.
Wentz cut down his turnovers — he threw a league-leading 15 interceptions in 2020 and had the second-most fumbles at 10 in just 12 games played — and proved to be an adequate game manager in the right environment.
What might also appeal to the Broncos is the fact that Wentz isn’t owed guaranteed money after the 2022 season. That means the Broncos would be on the hook only for Wentz’s $28 million cap hit for the 2022 season. Denver could cut him at no cost after that.
The Colts featured a stellar running game in 2021, led by Jonathan Taylor. Meanwhile, Denver had the top rushing duo in the league as both Gordon and Javonte Williams ran for 900-plus yards and ranked in the top 13 in rushing. They’re the only duo in the league to rank in the top 13 in rushing yards last season.
On the Broncos, Wentz would be flanked by rising young offensive talent in Courtland Sutton, Noah Fant, Tim Patrick and Jerry Jeudy. He’d also have his blind side protected by Garrett Bolles, a Second-Team All-Pro selection during the 2020 season.
That’s not even mentioning the support of the Broncos’ No. 3-ranked defense.
There are definitely bigger names and more appealing options than Wentz. But if the Broncos strike out on Rodgers or any of the other big-name quarterbacks, Denver could find a gem in Wentz.