2016 NFL free agency: Who signs Brock Osweiler?
By Dani Bostick
In 2016 NFL free agency, who signs Brock Osweiler?
Denver Broncos backup quarterback Brock Osweiler filled in adequately for Peyton Manning, but then fell by the wayside as Manning led his team to a Super Bowl title. The Broncos drafted Osweiler in the second round of the 2012 NFL Draft out of Arizona State University. Investing a second-round draft pick is serious, indicating that he has long been seen as the future once Manning hung up the cleats. With Manning headed out, will the Broncos sign Osweiler to a long-term deal?
Vitals
Age: 25
Notable stat: Was AFC Offensive player for Week 11 of the 2015 season
Pro Bowls: 0
All-Pro Teams: 0
Contract comparison
Osweiler is not an elite-level quarterback, but he got the job done while Manning was sidelined with injury. Though he has potential, Osweiler is relatively unproven. He is no Aaron Rodgers, Tom Brady, or Ben Roethlisberger. Yet, quarterbacks are in high demand in today’s passing league.
Recently, Nick Foles sign with the St. Louis Rams for two years and $24.5 million. Osweiler will likely earn in the neighborhood of $12 million per year if he signs a long-term deal. If the Broncos use the franchise tag on Osweiler, it will cost the team $19.6 million. If they do not apply the tag, the Broncos will need to pony up, horrendous pun intended.
Estimate: 5 years/$60 million/$22 million guaranteed
Will he stay?
Recently, Broncos cornerback Chris Harris predicted via CBSSports, “I think Brock will be back. I’m excited to play with him.” Manning is at the twilight of his career, so the Broncos definitely need to find the next face of the franchise. Though Osweiler is not an exceptional quarterback, the strength of the Broncos lies in their powerful defense. They managed to win a Super Bowl with an aging Manning at the helm.
If he goes…
There are plenty of teams in desperate need of a quarterback. The San Francisco 49ers, Cleveland Browns, Houston Texans, Los Angeles Rams and Philadelphia Eagles could all be interested in Osweiler. Without Osweiler, the Broncos would be in the uncomfortable position of competing with these teams to find their next starting quarterback.