The Denver Broncos are moving forward with Russell Wilson as their starting quarterback, hoping that new head coach Sean Payton can help Wilson turn things around after a disappointing 2022 season.
Denver will need a backup quarterback behind Wilson, though, and there are currently no other QBs on the roster under contract for the 2023 season.
Brett Rypien, who served as Wilson’s backup last year and started two games as an injury fill-in, is scheduled to become a restricted free agent on March 15. Rypien is 2-1 as a starter with the Broncos, completing 61.5% of his passes for 778 yards with four touchdowns against eight interceptions since 2020.
If the team does not re-sign Rypien, they will need to add a new backup this spring.
Here’s a quick look at 12 free agent quarterbacks the Broncos should consider this offseason. All of them are veterans who could hypothetically serve as Wilson’s backup this year. The QBs are listed by age.
1. Gardner Minshew (26)
2. Sam Darnold (26)
3. Baker Mayfield (27)
4. Nick Mullens (27)
5. Marcus Mariota (29)
6. C.J. Beathard (29)
7. Carson Wentz (30)
8. Taylor Heinicke (30)
9. Jacoby Brissett (30)
10. Teddy Bridgewater (30)
11. Case Keenum (34)
12. Andy Dalton (35)
