Ranking starting quarterbacks for each NFL team

29. Mark Sanchez, Denver Broncos 

Nobody would expect a team that won the Super Bowl two months ago to have Mark Sanchez as its starting quarterback, but the offseason unraveled fast for the Broncos.

Peyton Manning’s retirement was an expected (and probably welcome) development for the Broncos following the Super Bowl. What the Broncos did not expect was Osweiler leaving for Houston, leading to Sanchez’s addition shortly after.

After an unceremonious exit from the Jets, Sanchez has actually been okay when pressed into 13 games of action over the last two years with the Philadelphia Eagles. Sanchez is even an upgrade over Manning from last year, as strange as it is to think about, but really struggles with turning the ball over and is not someone you want starting for a long period of time.

The Broncos have to do something prior to the season, most likely a free agent addition or trade. Fitzpatrick would be a great fit but the two sides are reportedly far apart in negotiations, making a Kaepernick trade perhaps the most likely option. Kaepernick may not improve Denver’s standing much, but he has some upside in Gary Kubiak’s zone offense.

If nothing works out, Denver will have to turn to an early draft pick, and will probably want to add one more quarterback somewhere even if they do get Kaepernick. Lynch or Connor Cook would potentially be available at No. 31, although many see both as projects rather than quarterbacks who would be ready to contribute right away.

Next: 28. Colin Kaepernick, San Francisco 49ers