Broncos Insider Floats $4 Million QB as ‘Ideal Match’ for Sean Payton’s Offense
Based on a succession of cuts or rearranging player contracts, the Denver Broncos can free up approximately $62 million in salary cap space, according to Jason Fitzgerald of Over The Cap on December 22. In order to get there without totally crippling the team, some effort will be required.
For head coach Sean Payton’s “ideal” quarterback, Baker Mayfield, it might be worth it.
If the Russell Wilson dead-cap hit weren’t associated with financial consequences, Mayfield would be the most sensible first pick for the Broncos. Mike Klis of 9News Broncos said on January 28 that “his ability to process quickly and accurately throw timing routes makes him an ideal match with Sean Payton’s offense.”
“Mayfield recently played his way from a one-year, $4 million prove-it deal to maybe a new three-year, $75 million to $100 million contract. The problem is the Broncos do have cap issues.”
In 2018, Mayfield, 28, was selected first overall.
Mayfield divided the 2022 season between the Carolina Panthers and Los Angeles Rams after spending his first four seasons with the Cleveland Browns. He used the latter to earn a one-year, $6.8 million (with incentives) contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this season.
Mayfield completed 64.3% of his passes for 4,044 yards, 28 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions in 2023.
As per Stathead, no quarterback for the Broncos has thrown for 4,000 yards since Peyton Manning in 2014.
Broncos Finances Not the Only Hurdle to Landing Baker Mayfield
After winning the Pro Football Writers of America’s choice for Most Improved Player, Mayfield is expected to reap financial benefits this offseason. However, there was a lot of support for his return to Tampa the next season.
Baker Mayfield is wanted back by the Bucs, according to what NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport learned on January 21. He hopes to return as well and possibly profit from a legitimate, significant QB deal. In addition, they have the franchise tag available to them; hopefully, they will resolve it.
Klis concedes that Mayfield is likely to make a comeback. However, it suggests a possible course of action that would be advantageous to the Broncos.
The general consensus is that Mayfield will rejoin the Bucs prior to becoming a free agent.
Klis penned. “Maybe Mayfield will keep his options open if Tampa Bay is unable to re-sign receiver Mike Evans following the loss of offensive coordinator Dave Canales to Carolina.”
Former Sean Payton QB Jameis Winston Could be a Cheap Option for Broncos
Jarrett Stidham is excited to fight for the starting position in the upcoming season, something the Broncos are anticipated to allow him to accomplish.
The Broncos may consider signing free agent Jameis Winston of the New Orleans Saints in order to add another veteran to battle alongside him, a rookie, and Ben DiNucci. Payton would not be experiencing a career restart for the first time.
There is a caveat to Klis’ suggestion, though.
“The Jameis Winston who signed with Payton to be Drew Brees’ backup in 2020 is not the same Jameis Winston who will be entering the 2024 season.
Since then, Winston has only started three games. For a quarterback who is already thirty years old, two years of inactivity is a long time, but once again, the pay will be right, and after Payton saved Winston’s career, he could want to see the job through.
This past season, Winston passed for 47 touchdowns.
With 264 yards, two touchdowns, and three interceptions, he completed 53.2% of them. In 2022, he recorded three starts as well.
More significantly, in 2021 he completed 59% of his passes under Payton for 1,170 yards, 14 touchdowns, and only three interceptions. Those aren’t world-beating numbers. But the Broncos may or may not be working from a severe financial disadvantage.
Other players that Kilis suggests include pricey and/or aging players like Ryan Tannehill and Kirk Cousins, as well as journeymen like Gardner Minshew and backups like Jake Browning and Mason Rudolph. The Broncos might as well try to remain with Wilson if that was their preferred course of action.
