Though the most likely outcome is a new deal between both sides, it's no guarantee that free agent quarterback Brock Osweiler returns to the Denver Broncos this offseason. Osweiler, a 2012 second-round pick, is generating interest from a few different QB-needy clubs and the Houston Texans may be emerging as real threats to steal him away.
However, the Broncos may have a Plan B in case their young signal-caller decides to explore greener pastures. While the free agent market doesn't offer too many desirable options, Denver general manager John Elway could start working the trading block to find a replacement passer.
Who would the Broncos target? San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick seems to be in their sights if worst comes to worst.
"If they lose Brock Osweiler to the Texans, expect the Broncos to turn their attention to Kaepernick, to try to work out a trade with the 49ers," NFL reporter Ian Rapoport said. "There have been several teams sniffing around Kaepernick the last several days, but it is obvious that Osweiler is the big domino to fall here."
Should Osweiler move on from Denver and should San Fran be open to moving its disgruntled QB, the Broncos would have to be considered one of the frontrunners to land him. After all, Elway "has as close a relationship with (San Francisco's) Trent Baalke as with any GM" in the NFL, Rapoport continued.
The Broncos have reportedly offered Osweiler a three-year deal at $39 million, with incentive bonuses that could max out around $45 million. However, the Broncos are locked into a "staring contest" with the fifth-year veteran, according to Rapoport, who said "with a strong offer, (the Texans) could come in and steal Brock Osweiler from the Broncos."
Normally, Elway would have completed a deal with Osweiler's camp much sooner. But in this instance, Peyton Manning's uncertain future made such a move difficult. Now, Osweiler is said to be interested in his value on the open market to QB-needy teams. If a quasi-bidding war breaks out, the Broncos could find themselves in a tough spot.
Osweiler went 5-2 as a starter for Denver last season while completing 61.8 percent of his passes and throwing for 1,967 yards with 10 touchdowns and six interceptions. Colin Kaepernick appeared in nine regular season games in 2015, completing 59.0 percent of his passes and throwing for 1,615 yards with six scores against five picks.
