Ranking the Broncos' quarterback options for 2017 (Pt. 1)

When it comes to John Elway, nothing is out of the realm of possibility when examining the potential moves that he will or won’t make this offseason, especially after his first season missing the playoffs.

Although Elway and the Broncos have two young quarterbacks with potential—Trevor Siemian and Paxton Lynch—there will be, and already is, buzz during the offseason about Elway potentially going after an established veteran, much like he did with Colin Kaepernick last year. While Kaepernick to the Broncos never matriculated, it was the talk of the town for the greater part of the 2016 offseason.

Could Kaepernick be back in the discussion this time around? Or will the two biggest names—Tony Romo and Philip Rivers—dominate the conversation? The only certainty in this whole debate is nothing official will be known until at least March 9—the start of the new league year, when free agency opens and trades can be made.

However, much like last season, the quarterback dilemma likely won’t be settled any time soon. Until then, here is the first of a three-part series breaking down the seven options of who could end up under center for the start of the 2017 season. Tune in the rest of the week to follow the series.

7) Draft 

By far the most unlikely scenario because it would be near impossible for a rookie to come in and take the starting job; but in the NFL anything is possible, right?

It is highly unlikely that Denver will use a high-round draft pick on a quarterback, but it is possible that Elway takes a chance on a late-round guy, as he has done in the past. Potentially, the Broncos try and find the next Tom Brady in the sixth round, or how about a Trevor Siemian in the seventh round? Crazy, I know.

6) Colin Kaepernick

Elway was very serious about bringing Kaepernick to the Broncos last offseason, so why think he won’t do it again?

In Kaepernick’s 12 games last season he did fairly well while not being asked to do to much: 2,241 passing yards, 16 touchdowns, four interceptions and a 90.7 passer rating. However, Kaepernick has the same problem as option No. 5: he wouldn’t necessarily be the hands down starter the moment he arrived in Denver.

This would make it very difficult for Elway to bring in another quarterback and have another three-man race. Additionally, Kaepernick is under contract with the San Francisco 49ers, although both sides can decide to part ways before March 9 with no financial obligations.

5) Tyrod Taylor

The first question that must be asked when talking about Taylor potentially coming to Denver is, would he hands down be the starter? The answer to that, and what makes Taylor to Denver less likely, is no. While Taylor has had flashes on the field, and has exciting physical gifts, his hype significantly lessened last year while with the Bills.

Although Elway expressed interest in signing Taylor in free agency two years ago, there is a feeling around the league that Taylor has tapped out his potential. While he is still young (26), the Broncos aren’t looking for another young quarterback because they already have two of them.

Additionally, it is growing more likely that Buffalo will keep Taylor on their roster for next year with the addition of offensive coordinator Rick Dennison. Signing Taylor two years ago may have been genius, but it is a move that is two years too late.

Stayed tuned this week as we count down to No. 1