Justin Fields can be the answer to the Broncos quarterback quandary

As the Denver Broncos take another run at finding a franchise quarterback, Justin Fields could answer their long-running quandary.

He was more name than game by the end of Peyton Manning’s run with the Denver Broncos, but they have not found a quarterback to replace him. Since winning Super Bowl 50, it’s been five straight non-playoff seasons, and 2020 was a fourth straight losing season.

John Elway has given up his general manager duties in an expert turn of self promotion and preservation, as he’ll keep his role as president of football operations. A new general manager will apparently be given full authority over personnel moves, which means quarterback Drew Lock is officially on notice entering his third season.

Is the Broncos’ quarterback answer awaiting them in the draft?

The Broncos currently hold the No. 9 overall pick in April’s draft. Trevor Lawrence will be long gone by then, but he’s the only top incoming quarterback prospect that can be said for without a doubt.

From virtually the end of last year’s draft to several months after, Justin Fields was seen as the second-best quarterback in the 2021 draft class. But a shorter Big Ten season hurt him a bit (seven games played entering Monday night’s national title game), and BYU’s Zach Wilson has put himself in the conversation with a breakout campaign.

Fields to the New York Jets at No. 2 overall is still very possible, and if Urban Meyer becomes the Jacksonville Jaguars’ head coach there’s an angle for Fields usurping Lawrence at No. 1. Tankathon has the Atlanta Falcons tabbing Fields as Matt Ryan’s successor with the fourth overall pick, and if the Miami Dolphins consider all their options, they could consider Fields at No. 3 (via the Houston Texans). The Detroit Lions (No. 7) and the Carolina Panthers (No. 8) could have a quarterback on their radar too.

With that top-10 pick, the Broncos are in better position to move up for Fields than a couple other teams who have a case to go all-in for him. If they like him enough, without the stain or influence of Elway’s recent quarterback evaluation history, a future first-rounder and another pick to go with No. 9 is a worthy price to pay. Once and for all, the Broncos can secure a worthy quarterback of the future in Fields if they’re willing to pony up.