The 2024 Reese’s Senior Bowl started on Tuesday, providing the Denver Broncos with an opportunity to observe the senior class, particularly the quarterbacks. Looking back at the 2018 Senior Bowl, Baker Mayfield, the former Heisman Trophy winner from Oklahoma, was noticeably missing on Day 1. He was unable to attend the weigh-in and the initial portion of practice due to his mother’s illness.
Yet, as Mayfield veered off-course during practice and landed on the grass, the assembled journalists witnessed a fascinating scene unfold. The entire North Team came to a halt, their attention captured by the presence of “Baker” and the electrifying atmosphere spread throughout the stadium. With the Broncos coaching staff, including Vance Joseph, leading the North Team at that time, they had numerous chances to assess Mayfield, who never failed to captivate.
During that period, Mayfield’s behavior and physical attributes that didn’t align with the typical standards of the NFL caused him to be considered a Day 2 draft candidate. However, as time progressed, Mayfield defied expectations and became the top pick in the draft for the Cleveland Browns.
While speculation spreads among Broncos fans, it is likely that the team will separate from Russell Wilson, resulting in a significant quarterback vacancy.
Is it possible for Mayfield to fill that void? And would he be a suitable choice for Sean Payton’s team? The Broncos, who currently have the No. 12 pick in the draft and are currently over the salary cap by $24 million, are definitely in need of a quarterback. Payton is expected to thoroughly search for a QB who fits his style, and the most likely option seems to be through the draft.
However, Payton’s previous success with star quarterback Drew Brees, who was acquired as a free agent in 2006, was not due to a fortunate draft pick. It is therefore possible that Payton may be considering another free agent acquisition to find his next preferred quarterback, with Mayfield being a potential candidate.
After experiencing some success in Cleveland, the former Sooner’s career took a downfall when the general manager who selected him was let go. Consequently, Mayfield was traded to the Carolina Panthers in 2022 but was eventually released. However, he found an opportunity with the Los Angeles Rams, who were without their starting quarterback Matthew Stafford. Mayfield’s impressive performance on Christmas Day against the Broncos led to the firing of their head coach Nathaniel Hackett. Following his stint with the Rams, Mayfield entered free agency and eventually signed a one-year contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
In Tampa, Mayfield had his best season yet as a professional, winning nine games and the NFC South title. He threw for 4,044 yards and 28 touchdowns, while only throwing 10 interceptions. Now, he is once again looking at unrestricted free agency, unless the Bucs manage to re-sign him first.
At 28 years old (turning 29 in April), Mayfield is bound to attract significant interest and a substantial contract. He could potentially earn over $30 million per year, which currently exceeds what Payton can offer in Denver.
However, the Broncos have not yet begun the process of making the necessary changes to adhere to the salary cap and potentially free up some funds. The start of the NFL’s new league year is in March, giving the Broncos ample time to make adjustments if they are interested in acquiring Mayfield or any other experienced quarterback. Is it wise for the Broncos to pursue Mayfield, though?
I firmly believe that the Denver Broncos should obtain a franchise quarterback by drafting one, rather than looking for other options. Recent rumors indicate that Payton is ready to make moves in the draft to secure one of the top quarterback prospects.
However, there is a risk that Payton may struggle to find a team willing to trade away a top-3 pick, which is necessary to acquire one of the highly regarded ‘Big 3’ quarterbacks – Caleb Williams from USC, Drake Maye from UNC, and Jayden Daniels from LSU.
Some people argue that both Williams and Daniels do not meet the criteria for a Payton quarterback. However, Maye, Bo Nix from Oregon, and Michael Penix Jr. from Washington might fit the bill. Nonetheless, draft experts predict that up to five quarterbacks could be chosen before the Broncos have a chance at No. 12. Due to this, Payton has until March 13 to reach out and negotiate a trade deal to improve their position on the draft board.
Should the Broncos fail to secure a quarterback in the draft due to the presence of several teams with quarterback needs ahead of them, they may be forced to consider signing a veteran free agent. However, currently, the Broncos do not have enough cap space to afford Baker Mayfield. Nevertheless, this situation could potentially change in the future.
Mayfield could be a good fit with Payton, even though they may not be the perfect match. Unlike Brees, who was more focused on running Payton’s scheme and distributing the ball efficiently, Mayfield is known for being a more aggressive and improvisational quarterback. However, with the right coaching, Mayfield has shown the ability to be disciplined and work within a rhythm. Payton’s influence could help shape Mayfield into a great steward of his offense, while still allowing him to make plays outside the playbook when needed.
In terms of size, Mayfield is similar to Brees. However, Mayfield plays with more swagger and confidence. Despite this, with the right coaching, Mayfield’s confidence can lead to positive outcomes. Comparatively, Darnold, another potential option for the Broncos, has not shown the same potential as Mayfield and may only be suited for a backup role.
While it’s possible Mayfield could become the future franchise quarterback for Denver, the likelihood is slim. However, he could provide the team with a few years of competitive relevance while they continue to rebuild the roster. When Mayfield reaches his limit as a quarterback, the Broncos could then draft a new quarterback.
Overall, the Broncos have relied on veteran quarterbacks in the past but should consider going back to the draft for their next quarterback. The team’s financial situation may play a role in this decision. While the probability scale is still heavily leaning towards drafting a quarterback, it’s not out of the question for Denver to pursue Mayfield due to his fit with Payton and his potential as a starter in the NFL.
Brees wasn’t very successful in that aspect. If he couldn’t identify an opportunity before the play and adjust, he was more inclined to discard the ball or simply take the snap rather than unexpectedly using his mobility to create a play.
Mayfield, who is the same height and weight as Brees, has a different style as he plays with more confidence. However, with the proper guidance, that demeanor has been shown to yield favorable results.
I can confidently say that Mayfield would be a much better veteran option for the Broncos than Sam Darnold. Although both were top-3 draft picks in 2018, Darnold has not shown any potential to be more than a backup in the NFL. While it’s possible that Mayfield could become Denver’s long-term quarterback, it is unlikely considering the rarity of finding a franchise quarterback in free agency.
Without a doubt, Mayfield would be a superior choice for the Broncos as a seasoned player compared to Sam Darnold. Although both were selected early in the 2018 draft, Darnold has failed to demonstrate any promise of evolving beyond a backup role in the NFL. While it is possible that Mayfield could fulfill Denver’s long-term quarterback needs, the chances of finding a franchise quarterback through free agency are slim.
Denver’s 2024 quarterback situation strongly suggests the team will opt for a rookie contract. However, given Peyton’s track record, Mayfield’s successful return as an NFL starter, and their overall compatibility, we shouldn’t dismiss the chance of Denver pursuing him just yet. The Broncos still heavily lean towards acquiring a quarterback through the draft.
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