Christian Petersen - Getty Images
Brady Quinn's playing time in Denver has been limited, but is he worth bringing back? (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
We continue our look at the list of Denver Broncos free agents with a tougher question than what we had last night. The Broncos have just Tim Tebow under contract next season. Adam Weber was signed to a futures contract, but it is safe to say Denver will bring in at least 1, maybe 2 quarterbacks this off-season. Should Quinn be one of them?
Brady Quinn was drafted in the late 1st round back in the 2007 draft, but due to competition in Cleveland, he was never able secure a starting job and was traded to the Broncos in 2010 after a regime change with the Browns. Despite being a 1st round pick, Quinn has only started 12 games and was unable to win the starting job from Tim Tebow and Kyle Orton in 2010 and 2011. Quinn is still only 27 and has yet to really have stability in terms of coaching to allow him to develop into the potential many saw he had in college.
Quinn saw no playing time in the regular season for the past two seasons. But seemed hot and colt during the pre-season.
Brady Quinn had a contract of $700,000 in 2011 and as a backup/competing QB would garner a slightly higher contract around $800,000-$900,000 per year with incentives if he starts a certain number of games. Considering the cap room, this would be a minor hit.
When looking at where to go looking forward we need to review Quinn as well as options for replacements:
Pro's:
- Has a knowledge of the offense and wouldn't struggle coming into a Spread Option-heavy offense compared to a QB who hasn't run the offense in practice for weeks and has familiarity with offensive players.
- Has a fantastic work ethic, during both the 2010 and 2011 training camps the three QB's would all joke about who could get to camp first and he impressed his teammates with a calming leadership and work ethic.
- Has impressive mobility, which lends itself to being able to fill in for Tebow on short notice.
- There is also the fact he has said he would like to return to the Broncos.
Con's:
- As seems a trend with our current QB's, Quinn has issue with accuracy, especially on deep passes.
- Along with accuracy, Quinn lacks a top end arm to drive the ball deep.
- Despite being in the league for five years, he has only limited playing time and hasn't had the chance to experience a variety of defenses.
Depth at Quarterback:
Considering there are no quarterbacks signed to the Broncos outside of Tebow and Adam Weber to a future contract, there is an immediate need at QB.
Free Agency Quarterback Class:
This is a decent quarterback class, at least in terms of quarterbacks who will actually reach free agency. Of those who would fit the current Broncos offense that would be:
- David Garrard (Who will want to be on a team where he will start)
- Jason Campbell (Same situation as Garrard)
- Josh Johnson (Has said he would like to remain in Tampa Bay and has close ties to Josh Freeman)
- Vince Young (Has mentioned he would either re-sign with the Eagles or go to a team that would give him the chance to start)
- Dennis Dixon
- Charlie Whitehurst
Our of the quarterbacks that would work well in this offense, the fact that Tebow is such a beloved player by the fans eliminates most of these players, but we are left with Dennis Dixon (Who ran the Spread-Option in Oregon) and Charlie Whitehurst (who is done in Seattle, but is a mobile, cheap quarterback with a strong arm). It's hard to realistically though to expect any of these other quarterbacks to come here for one reason or another.
Conclusion:
Looking at this I believe that since the Broncos need to sign a quarterback anyways, bringing back Brady Quinn makes sense, he knows and fits the offense, and is a good locker room presence. His relationship and understanding of this offense make him a valuable player. But he isn't a must resign, with players like Dennis Dixon and Charlie Whitehurst available, there are options who can fill the back-up role as well. Considering all three are young and have good potential, and would come fairly cheap and with such there is little risk to resigning Quinn or picking up a new free agent quarterback.
1 recs | 57 comments
I feel the same way, re-sign Brady if he isn't looking for a payday like Orton.
Maybe draft a QB later in the draft…BJ Coleman or others to compete with Adam Weber for the #3 spot. We definitely need someone with mobility and not a straight up pocket-passer…
bfree2bronc - February 10, 2012
I don't expect him to ask for a major raise
Because unlike Orton he realizes he has struggled to ever earn a starting spot. So he’ll likely be a cheap option at backup.
Topher Doll - February 10, 2012
Would Quinn want to stay in Dever?
If yes, just resign him and no more problem at QB.
Timmy, Brady, Adam and I’m ok for the next season…
Fabio Broncos - February 10, 2012
I don't think re-signing Brady Quinn would be a problem.
What would be a concern is if EFX draft Tannenhill at #25. That would give us some of the answers of how they really feel about Tebow. If we could only get into the mind of Elway we might be satisfied with the report. Tannenhill could develop behind Tebow and Quinn hedging their bets with Tebow in a year or two. There’s no doubt that Tannenhill is a gifted athlete with a strong arm, but is very raw in his quarterback development skills. The Broncos could use the former wide receiver turned quarterback in the wildhorse formation and other alignments with Tebow…
bfree2bronc - February 10, 2012
I think the worst thing the Broncos could do in this years draft
is to sign a QB in the first round. We have too many other pressing needs. Plus, I believe you let TT and the whole team have at least this year where you have said “TT is our guy”, where they have no choice to go all in during the off season with TT. Let this be, w/o a doubt “his team”, at least for 2012. Now, if with him, after the keys to the kingdom were given to him, he fails to progress and prove to be the guy with 100% support and backing…then draft a QB in rd. #1 in 2013.
rubincarterrocks - February 10, 2012
Me too.
I agree with Bill’s thoughts about Tanehill though.
Fabio Broncos - February 10, 2012
I am a HUGE NO on Tanehill...I think he will struggle BIG time and would be a completely botched pick.
boydy2669 - February 10, 2012
From what I've heard he does want to stay
Topher Doll - February 10, 2012
I said "no," but I would be fine with them keeping Quinn. I would like a good veteran back-up but that list of FA's doesn't impress me.
I would also like to see them pick between Weber or Quinn. One of them could be our developmental QB, and could be a diamond in the rough. If Tebow falls on his face next year, then maybe we could see one of these guys step up. I really dont want us to draft a QB. I HOPE that we have our guy on the roster.
alkatraz76 - February 10, 2012
I must confess
I am intrigued by Charlie Whitehurst and I know, from visiting fieldgulls.com, the Seahawks’ fans really don’t want him anymore. Quinn does bring knowledge of the offense but for as uncertain you are about Tebow, BQ can’t beat him out. If we are going to have competition at quarterback to make Tebow better, I think we need an upgrade from BQ. Both Whitehurst and Dennis Dixon do fit that bill IMO, I also hold Josh Johnson in high regard. We’ll see what happens, GO BRONCOS!!!
the new Bradfather - February 10, 2012
Whitehurst is an interesting prospect
He struggled in Seattle, but as a backup he’d be a cheap option with some potential to grow within the system. As for a true QB competition, no QB who wants to start, or has the talent to start, won’t come to Denver because they know that if any QB besides Tebow sets foot on the field, he’ll be booed immediately, and no vet wants to deal with that drama. I like Josh Johnson as well, as he doesn’t mind being a backup, but his relationship with Josh Freeman and that offense is pretty tight, add in he has said he would like to stay, I don’t expect him to move.
It will be interesting to see what course we take, either through FA or the draft.
Topher Doll - February 10, 2012
I don't think there will be a true QB competition either
but I know Elway wants to bring someone in who is at least Tebow’s equal so he can push him in camp. IMO, Quinn is NOT Tebow’s equal or he would have beaten him out by now. As for Josh Johnson, he should want to come to Denver because he’s going to win. Tampa Bay is a trainwreck, but I suppose it’s possible for the Bucs to return to 2010 form, we’ll see
the new Bradfather - February 10, 2012
For permanent backups like Johnson
Being around players and in a system they like is more important than winning. As for bringing in an equal to Tebow, that’s hard to gauge since Tebow’s level is really unknown, since he’s played at a high and low level. Any player who plays at a decent level on a regular basis will be looking for a starting job not a backup behind Tebow.
Topher Doll - February 10, 2012
Johnson is going to end up in SF backing up Alex Smith
Johnson played for Harbaugh at the University of San Diego and he is still really close to Harbaugh.
DE_BroncoFan - February 10, 2012
I could see this happening
what of Kaepernick then? Is he not progressing as Harbaugh hoped?
the new Bradfather - February 10, 2012
I guess it depends on how much Johnson costs them.
If he comes cheap then he could realistically be brought in to hedge bets in case Kaepernick is a bust. It is not unusual for a team to bring in a veteran QB as a backup to compete with the highly drafted current backup, in fact, it is quite normal.
DE_BroncoFan - February 13, 2012
I'd take Quinn over Whitehurst personally
Quinn has more upside, knows the system already and while Quinn hasn’t had a great NFL season by any means, he’s had a better career than Sideline Jesus. I’d rather have Quinn as both a plan B and a backup over Whitehurst.
Quinn might not be able to beat out Tebow but Whitehurst can’t beat out Tavaris Jackson.
AlbertaBronc - February 10, 2012
how can I refute that statement?
KJR-AM in Seattle had a poll on Twitter this week asking Seahawks fans if they’d rather have Tarvaris at 100 percent or Peyton at 70 percent, obviously Peyton in the 70 percentile won
the new Bradfather - February 10, 2012
I wouldn't say Quinn has had a better career than Whitehurst
But I do prefer him since he knows the system.
Topher Doll - February 10, 2012
Agreed, much more pressing that we upgrade
at the #2 spot.
rubincarterrocks - February 10, 2012
Brady Quinn is the best backup option .
I really do not see another team bringing Quinn in to be their starting QB . After his days in Cleveland and never getting on the field while in Denver Teams will look at him as a backup . If Brady Quinn likes it in Denver and has said he like to return to the Broncos well I think it makes the most sense . The list of QB for backups isn’t anymore impressive than Quinn . I guess you could add Chad Henne to the list if the Dolphins don’t bring him but is he any better than Quinn who knows at this point .
ultraclassic04 - February 10, 2012
I'd say no
Matt Moore did better in Miami than Henne did
the new Bradfather - February 10, 2012
Moore will likely remain the starter in Miami
If they don’t bring in Peyton and I doubt he’d want to downgrade after his good play this year. Henne has struggled his whole career, I’d rather stick with Quinn who knows the system.
Topher Doll - February 10, 2012
Absolutely
Quinn>>>>Henne
the new Bradfather - February 10, 2012
+1 on all you said about Quinn.
Digger24 - February 10, 2012
If he can be brought back for a good price they should do it. He was impressive on how much better he was in the 2011 preseason from the 2010 preseason. He has a good work ethic, he knows his teammates tendencies on the field, and would likely come cheap. Also he actually has a pretty good arm. His cons, IMO, are more in his head than lack of physical talent.
AvalancheRescueDog - February 10, 2012
if you were around McDaniels
that long, you’d probably be jacked up in your head as well…
the new Bradfather - February 10, 2012
I think just as fans, a lot of us were.
AvalancheRescueDog - February 10, 2012
I'd blame his Cleveland time over McD
Topher Doll - February 10, 2012
they're both debilitating
any way you slice it
the new Bradfather - February 10, 2012
I have no problem with Quinn returning if he wants too
I’m sure he’ll evaluate all his options this offseason but if he wants to come back, I’d say let him.
AlbertaBronc - February 10, 2012
preferably at a hometown discount
the new Bradfather - February 10, 2012
Henne is not a good choice
I never really cared for Henne, but when someone who is not a proven NFL QB mouths off like he is quoted below, my view dims even more:
“‘My judgment is that he’s not an NFL quarterback,” Henne told Curtis Stevenson and Anita Marks of WQAM in Miami regarding Tebow. ’I’ll leave it at that.’
Wow.
Making Henne’s opinion more compelling is the fact that his position coach, David Lee, is one of the men who are helping Tebow become that which Lee’s primary pupil says Tebow isn’t.
And suddenly we hope Tebow lands in the AFC East. "
http://www.nbcmiami.com/news/sports/Henne-Tebow-Is-Not-An-NFL-Quarterback-88372627.html
ocbroncomaniac - February 10, 2012
Chad Henne is not a legitimate NFL player
take that to the bank loser
the new Bradfather - February 10, 2012
Thanks for this post maxwell.
I get tired of seeing all the replacements when Quinn has said he would like to stay.
I wonder, all the people who are mocking QBs and picking FAs, have you noticed all our QBs on last year’s roster are 6’3" and if Weber has put on some muscle since college are 225-235. Here’s a guy who will be undrafted who I think could come in and make our PS. Patrick Witt Yale 6-3 220
Digger24 - February 10, 2012
I would prefer for Quinn to stay
But for the sake of thoroughness I included options of players who would similar in price, don’t mind being backups, and fit the offense.
Topher Doll - February 10, 2012
impressive work Topher
with that said, we will all be happier once there is real football news to report and disseminate!
the new Bradfather - February 10, 2012
Haha true
Topher Doll - February 10, 2012
Witt
was selected as a finalist for the Rhodes scholarship, but because of an overlap with the Harvard game he announced that he withdrew his Rhodes candidacy in order to play in the game. Now he has re-applied and, if accepted, the scholarship would put the NFL on hold.
Digger24 - February 10, 2012
Myron Rolle
was also a recipient of the Rhodes Scholar and he still became a solid contributor in the NFL, you have to appreciate multi-faceted young men, they help society become better, that’s really what this world needs
the new Bradfather - February 10, 2012
Familiarity with the offense is a very important factor.
Familiarity with your teammates is also important. Quinn has both and should be fairly cheap.
Plus he’s listed as 6’3" 235 so we know he has the size to take the hits that he would most likely be taking if he had to step in for an injured Tebow.
DE_BroncoFan - February 10, 2012
Quinn's familiarity with the coaches and offense is a definite plus
… as is the fact that he will know his role here.
That said, I’m not so sure that some folks like Garrard or Young won’t be interested in coming here on short-term contracts (2 years?). Especially once the clear “starter” jobs in other teams get filled early in free agency…
Obviously TT is the man starting the year here in DEN, but the potential for a TT flameout is relatively high, in which case those guys get their chance to come in as the late season savior or next year’s incumbant.
Both would likely be upgrades over Quinn… so while I’m fine with resigning BQ, I wouldn’t do it that quickly and would wait and see how the QB situation played out a bit first… or you could figure you need 4 camp arms anyway, and just cut him if another FA beats him out… he’ll be cheap enough that that is definitely an option.
Dixon and Johnson may be upgrades too, but that somewhat depends on how much EFX value familiarity vs. style matching, and their perceptions of Quinn (they have the best sense of anyone in the league of his potential quality).
cjfarls - February 10, 2012
Pass
He has little value, hasn’t shown he can do anything in this league other than stand on the sideline. Give me a vet that has at least shown he can play, I would take Jason Campbell way over Quinn at this stage.
Broncoman - February 10, 2012
The issue with Campbell is he wants to start
He knows that won’t happen in Denver. Fans want a proven backup, but anyone who has proven something wants to start and that isn’t going to happen in Denver.
Topher Doll - February 10, 2012
I say keep him.
If the price is right. He knows the system, and has proven he can hold a QB roster spot without causing yet another QB Controversy. He might sign cheap, because He does know the system, and running QB’s are a little more vulnerable to injuries due to the hits they seem to take.
kybroncomaniac - February 10, 2012
I thought I'd be in the minority here, but surprisingly not....
Let BQ test the waters if he feels the need, but if he’s affordable and wants to return….sign the man.
It’s not like he’s immobile. Brady is a pretty athletic dude.
Broncotodd - February 10, 2012
Those are similar to my thoughts
It’s strange, almost all the comments show “re-sign him” yet the poll says “no” so it’s an interesting situation.
Topher Doll - February 10, 2012
Yeah...look, I think BQ has some upside and maybe be better for him to get out and take a chance somewhere else...
Thats why I put no. But BQ grew on me thru the season. think he is a genuinely nice guy, team player so I would totally good with him coming back.
boydy2669 - February 10, 2012
It's other team's fans
hoping we let him go.
Digger24 - February 11, 2012
Resigning Quinn is a low risk move, and he seems like a team first guy
Might as well keep him, maybe he has a lot of upside that can be developed. If so, better for that to happen in Denver than elsewhere. Also not a bad idea to draft a QB in the late rounds, always need to be on the lookout for the next Tom Brady!
Arctic Bronco - February 11, 2012
The dude can't play.
We know that. We saw that. Remember when he was given a chance last preseason? Disaster. Embarrassment.
People talk about Chad Henne not being a legitimate NFL player. What have we seen from BQ to make us think he’s legit?
Get rid of him. Let’s get someone in here who can play.
Agent Jerry Fletcher - February 11, 2012
Anyone who can play
Doesn’t want to be a backup on a team they know they can’t fight for the job on.
Topher Doll - February 11, 2012
Very true.
So instead we pay a guy who’s content to be a backup and who we know can’t play?
I’d rather have someone in here who’s hungry and whose skillset is consistent with the idea of us going all in on Tebow.
Bring in Josh Johnson and then draft a third stringer.
My ideal qb depth chart:
Timmy
Josh Johnson
B.J. Coleman
We shouldn’t have anyone at any position who’s content with being a backup.
Agent Jerry Fletcher - February 11, 2012
Josh Johnson really isn't that good of a QB
And he has said he doesn’t want to leave Tampa.
Topher Doll - February 11, 2012
But our universe of potential backup QBs is limited...
…to QBs who aren’t very good.
And I think Josh Johnson is more than capable. At the least, he’s better than Quinn. In his limited opportunities, he’s shown some promise. Whereas Quinn, in ample opportunities, has shown he can’t play.
I like Johnson because his skillset approximates Tebow’s.
Regarding your claim that he doesn’t want to leave Tampa, I can’t comment on his wishes. But I’ve read that he expects to leave Tampa. And I saw a report that he’d love to rejoin Harbaugh in San Francisco.
Frankly, I’m surprised that you’re advocating keeping some who’s content to hold a clipboard. If Tebow’s embodies the Broncos’ culture (and I think he does), then how does keeping a backup who doesn’t want to be “the guy” perpetuate that culture? Tebow wouldn’t settle for being anybody’s backup. And no Bronco should.
Agent Jerry Fletcher - February 11, 2012
The issue is no one who wants to start
Won’t come here, that means we are limited to a clip board holder. Anyone who has the fire and drive to start is likely to avoid Denver by as much as possible because it doesn’t matter if they are better than Tebow, they know they won’t start so what competitor would willingly go a place where competing is meaningless. We as Broncos fans want that, but if you look at it from a league wide and a players perspective, there are zero reasons any player who has any competitive drive to come to the Broncos because it would be wasted. So I’m not advocating keeping a pencil pusher, but there is logic to thinking a competitor will come here.
And just a note on Johnson, you do know he is content being a backup right?
Topher Doll - February 11, 2012
Why wouldn't they come to Denver?
Despite Tebow’s wondrous season of comeback victories, John Elway still won’t endorse him as the starter. All Elway’s done is say he’ll be the starter at the beginning of training camp. That’s not exactly a ringing endorsement.
I think Denver would be a great destination for a quarterback with competitive fire.
As for your comment about Johnson being content to be a backup, I hadn’t heard that. In fact, I’ve heard the opposite. Reports I’ve read say he wants to go somewhere he’ll have a chance to compete.
Agent Jerry Fletcher - February 11, 2012
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