When the NFL's new league year starts at 4 p.m. ET on Wednesday, quarterback Brock Osweiler will most likely be a free agent. However, that does not mean the Denver Broncos are going to lose him.
Osweiler has been considered Manning's heir apparent for his four years with the Broncos. The one wrinkle is that Osweiler's contract is expiring the same year as Peyton Manning's retirement, and that the 25-year-old QB started several games this year.
The Houston Texans are believed to be preparing to make a substantial offer to bring on Osweiler. Despite Osweiler's inexperience, the incentive for the Texans to pay up for a readymade QB is clear, as the rest of the roster resembles that of a contender and would be able to focus on other areas of need in the draft.
Osweiler reportedly turned down a three-year contract offer worth $45 million from the Broncos, but it is unclear if he is negotiating for more years or money. Either way, he appears to want to hit the open market in order to gain leverage in his negotiations. The Cleveland Browns and New York Jets are also likely to at least check in on Osweiler once he becomes a free agent.
Another key to getting Osweiler under contract will be the QB's potential suitors' willingness to let him renegotiate the terms of his deal if he plays above expectations in 2016. Osweiler's best chance to do that is probably in Denver, where he has had four years to become familiar with the playbook and build relationships with his teammates.
Osweiler played eight games this season and threw for 1,967 yards and 10 touchdowns while guiding the Broncos to wins over New England and Cincinnati.
Another factor bound to come up is a video that surfaced online apparently showing him shoving a woman outside a pizzeria in Scottsdale, Ariz. When the woman approached him from behind, putting her hands on his back and arm, he turned and shoved her away. Osweiler was with his wife and seemingly got into a car shortly after shoving the woman, at which time police officers appear in the video.
The incident ended without an arrest or even so much as a complaint, the Scottsdale Police confirmed.
