Denver Broncos sign a quarterback for added depth

As the Broncos announced yesterday that Peyton Manning will miss at least two more weeks with his foot injury, the need for quarterback depth was heightened. The Broncos have pulled former first round pick Christian Ponder off of the free agency scrap heap and signed him to a one year deal.

The #Broncos are signing QB Christian Ponder, source said, who is in town today. He’ll start as the No. 3, then learn the offense.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 25, 2015

Rapoport also reported the Broncos we’re the only other team to place a claim on recently released Bears quarterback Jimmy Clausen, who went to the Ravens with a higher priority, who will provide depth for the injured Joe Flacco.

Ponder made his NFL debut in 2011 and has struggled throughout his un-memorable NFL career. He is an athletic quarterback that is capable of getting outside of the pocket which may work in Kubiak’s scheme.

It isn’t clear what this means for Trevor Siemian who the Broncos have liked enough to keep on the active roster all year. Denver will have to make a roster move to make room for Ponder and it is likely that will be to move DE Kenny Anunike to injured reserve. It’s likely they would keep Simeian around to be the primary backup at least until Ponder has a better grasp of the offense.