Poll: Which Team’s New QB Will Have Best Season?
While this offseason did not bring quite the same level of quarterback movement 2018’s did, a handful of teams will deploy new starters. Draft choices, trade acquisitions and free agent signings will be given the keys to offenses that struggled last season.
The Broncos, Cardinals, Dolphins, Jaguars and Redskins made moves to fortify their quarterback jobs. Which team’s investment will work out best?
Denver will use a different starting quarterback for the third straight year. Joe Flacco is set to be the Broncos’ fourth starter since Peyton Manning‘s retirement. While his QBR figure (58.7) was better than any the former Ravens starter had posted since a quality 2014 season, Flacco still ranked 20th in that metric last season. Having never made a Pro Bowl and fresh off back-to-back years featuring injury trouble, with a back problem limiting him during the 2017 offseason and a hip injury beginning the Lamar Jackson era, the 34-year-old starter will try to revive his career in Denver. Flacco, though, is the most accomplished quarterback the Broncos have employed since Manning.
The other surefire veteran starter acquired this year, Foles will have his first chance to be a team’s unquestioned first-stringer since 2015. The 30-year-old flourished in his second Philadelphia stint, submitting an all-time postseason run in 2017 and helping the Eagles back to the playoffs last season. A 2013 Pro Bowler, Foles will take over a Jaguars team that does not possess the kind of aerial weaponry recent Eagles rosters did. Jacksonville is in line to have Marqise Lee back from a torn ACL, but the team’s wideouts and tight ends will place additional emphasis on Foles living up to his contract. With the Rams in 2015, Foles threw seven touchdown passes and 10 interceptions before being benched.
Kyler Murray represents the other locked-in starter added this offseason. The electric one-year Oklahoma starter accomplished about as much as a college passer can in a single season, turning in Division I-FBS’ second-ever 4,000-1,000 season en route to Heisman Trophy honors. Working with Kliff Kingsbury, Larry Fitzgerald and a host of young wide receivers, Murray is the centerpiece of one of the most daring experiments an NFL team has attempted.
The Cardinals turned the keys over to a sub-.500 college coach and a 5-foot-10 signal-caller — the first sub-6-foot passer to be chosen in Round 1. Arizona trotted out the league’s worst scoring and total offense last season, however, and sported a skeleton-crew offensive line by year’s end. The Cards added new starters Marcus Gilbert and J.R. Sweezy up front. Due to the lack of precedent behind this move, it is hard to tell how Murray will fare. But the unique talent has opened as Las Vegas’ offensive rookie of the year favorite.
Washington and Miami have not committed to a starting quarterback yet, but it is fairly safe to project Dwayne Haskins and Josh Rosen will see extensive time. While Case Keenum and Ryan Fitzpatrick could log starts, with the latter possibly even on track to do so, the Redskins have liked what their first-round pick has done so far and the Dolphins will need to see Rosen in games to help determine if they will consider a first-round QB in 2020. On the heels of a 50-touchdown pass season, the Ohio State product sits second in offensive rookie of the year odds. Although only eight passers have won this award since 1957, seven such instances have occurred since 2004.
Both Daniel Jones and Drew Lock could factor into their respective teams’ mixes later in the season. Of the 13 first-round QBs taken over the past four years, only Patrick Mahomes and Paxton Lynch were not promoted to the starting role as rookies. (Though, Eli Manning is not your typical stopgap.) Lock was projected by most as a first-rounder, and Flacco ceded his role to the No. 32 overall pick last year. So the 12th-year veteran’s grip on Denver’s job should be considered tenuous.
Vote in PFR’s latest poll and weigh in with your thoughts in the comments section.
New Poll
-
Nick Foles 28% (407)
-
Joe Flacco 24% (348)
-
Kyler Murray 14% (196)
-
Dwayne Haskins 14% (194)
-
Josh Rosen 11% (151)
-
Ryan Fitzpatrick 3% (44)
-
Daniel Jones 2% (32)
-
Drew Lock 2% (31)
-
Case Keenum 2% (26)
Total votes: 1,429
Harris On Prospect Of Broncos Extension
Shortly after agreeing to a redone 2019 contract, Chris Harris announced intentions to bet on himself in advance of a 2020 free agency venture. The decorated Broncos cornerback bypassed free agency in 2015, signing a five-year extension, but is targeting top cornerback money next year. As for the chances of the Broncos being the team that authorizes such a deal, the soon-to-be 30-year-old defender said that would be the goal.
“I’m definitely giving them a shot. Definitely,” Harris said, via NFL.com, of the prospect of re-signing with the Broncos after this season. “The situation could always be salvaged and worked out. So, I’ll go do my thing, and then at the end of the year, whatever, I’ll definitely give them a fair chance, for sure.
When the Broncos and Harris discussed his deal this offseason, both sides preferred a long-term extension. But the parties were so far apart they shifted to this rare pay-raise agreement. The Broncos are projected to hold $50MM-plus in 2020 cap space, and while Harris would stand to profile as their most talented free agent-to-be, it appears this situation can be tabled for several months.
Chris Harris Thought He'd Be Traded
- At one point this year, Broncos cornerback Chris Harris thought he would be traded out of Denver, as he tells James Palmer of NFL.com (Twitter link). Just before the draft, Harris demanded either a new contract or a trade, and he ultimately got his wish, with a new deal arriving on Tuesday. While the veteran defensive back didn’t receive an extension, his total 2019 payout was increased from $8.9MM to $12.05MM. Harris will receive some of that money in the very near future: he got a $650K bonus for reporting to organized team activities, and will get another $600K for showing up at training camp.
Chris Harris Eyeing Top Cornerback Contract In 2020
Although Chris Harris is back with the Broncos and set to reprise his role as their top secondary cog, he remains in a contract year. Tuesday night’s pay raise only covers 2019, and the 29-year-old cornerback has big plans for 2020.
“I’m ready to roll,” Harris told 9News’ Mike Klis. “I’m ready to get back with the team and start working on the camaraderie with my teammates. I’m the fourth cornerback this year (in terms of slated cash earnings) and after this season I’ll hit free agency and be No. 1.”
Workout bonuses totaling $1.25MM and a base salary bump from $7.8MM to $9.8MM will cover Harris’ $12.05MM payment, which in terms of cash trails only Xavien Howard, A.J. Bouye and Darius Slay, but ahead of Kareem Jackson, which Klis notes (on Twitter) was no accident. The Broncos gave Jackson a three-year, $33MM deal in March. That $11MM AAV was considerably more than Harris, who has four Pro Bowls to Jackson’s zero, was set to make this season.
“I just wanted to be the highest-paid cornerback on the team,” said Harris, who held this distinction last year but not during Aqib Talib‘s Denver tenure. “It had nothing to do with Kareem. I just thought I deserved to be the No. 1 cornerback on the team. Nothing against Kareem.”
Both Harris and the Broncos’ initial focus during these talks was a long-term extension, but Klis reports the sides were so far off the conversations shifted to a 2019 pay increase. Harris’ agent came in with a $15MM-AAV and $40MM guaranteed proposal, and Klis notes the sides realized quickly they were far apart on terms. Rather than a drawn-out extension discussion, the Broncos and Harris agreed to this pay raise. The team first offered Harris a $3MM incentive package, similar to what he received last year. Given that Harris only collected $500K of that 2018 incentive money, he did not want to go down that road again.
Contrary to how the Broncos usually approach negotiations, Klis notes John Elway communicated directly with Harris’ agent for these talks but stood firm at $12MM. Team Harris lowered their price to $12.1MM Monday. This turned into $12.05MM by Tuesday. These talks had been ongoing for three months, with Denver7’s Troy Renck noting they began at the Combine. Jackson’s deal, obviously, changed the nature of the discussions. Both Jackson and Bryce Callahan are signed through 2021, though Jackson has opened OTAs as a base-set safety.
“Oh yeah, I could (have) pushed it more,” Harris said, via Renck (on Twitter). “I am just glad I can get on the field and be a free agent next year.”
Broncos, Chris Harris Rework Contract
The Broncos and Chris Harris have ended their weeks-long impasse. The parties agreed to a reworked 2019 contract, Mike Klis of 9News reports (on Twitter).
Harris’ 2019 pay will spike from $8.9MM to $12.05MM, per Klis. A clincher to this deal being done before the Broncos reconvene for their latest OTA session Wednesday: Harris will receive a $650K reporting bonus for showing up to this round of OTAs, Klis adds (on Twitter). Harris will also receive $600K to report to training camp.
This deal, as has been rumored for several days, will only cover the All-Pro cornerback’s 2019 pay. No new years were added. As it stands, Harris remains on track for free agency in 2020. But for 2019, this will bring Denver’s top secondary cog back into the fold. This comes after a trade-or-extension demand pre-draft and trade talks during the draft. But the Broncos held onto the last of their Super Bowl-era secondary cogs and will redeploy him in 2019.
Though rumored for days to be heading in this direction, the precise conclusion of this move remains unusual. The Broncos will give a long-underpaid player a raise — rather than the incentive package they gave Harris last year — but did not obtain any additional years of team control in exchange. This pay raise will make Harris the 10th-highest-paid corner in 2019.
“We have a lot of respect for Chris as a player and for everything he’s meant to our organization,” GM John Elway said in a statement. “This contract adjustment recognizes his value to our team and the high expectations we have for Chris as a Bronco this season and hopefully for years to come.”
Harris agreed to a five-year, $42.5MM deal late in 2014 — just before he was due to hit free agency — and that deal quickly became incredibly team-friendly. The versatile corner became a perennial Pro Bowler and was a key part of Denver’s Super Bowl championship defense. The Broncos agreed to give Kareem Jackson, who is a year older than Harris and has four fewer Pro Bowl nods (4-0), $11MM per year. Harris opted to stay away from the team in hopes of a new contract. While the 29-year-old corner initially demanded a new deal worth at least $15MM annually, this compromise brought him back.
The Broncos viewed Harris as essential to their hopes of returning to the playoffs. Despite Elway’s comment, it remains unclear if this will be Harris’ final year in Denver. The team will use more zone concepts under Vic Fangio after being mostly a man-based team during Harris’ tenure.
A 2011 UDFA, Harris has been one of this decade’s best corners and stands as arguably the top slot corner in NFL history, with this position having become commonplace in the modern game and the Kansas alum having excelled in this role throughout his career. He will team with Jackson and Bryce Callahan at corner this season, with it looking like Jackson will play safety in base sets and slide to corner in sub-packages.
Broncos, Chris Harris Nearing Deal
The Broncos and Chris Harris Jr. are “extremely close” to a new one-year deal, according to Mike Klis of 9News (on Twitter). With the final week of OTAs starting on Wednesday, both sides hoping to reach agreement today.
[Follow Pro Football Rumors On Twitter]
Harris is set to earn $8.9MM this year in salary and bonuses. Initially, Harris was pushing for more than $15MM per year on a multi-year extension, but he has since backed down from that asking price. The Broncos are unwilling to tack additional years on to his pact, but they are apparently willing to give him a pay bump for 2019.
Last year, the Broncos mollified Harris’ extension request with a similar measure. A $3MM incentive package got the job done in 2018, but one has to imagine that GM John Elway will have to give more this time around.
Harris appeared in 12 games and posted three interceptions a year ago before suffering a fractured fibula in early December. Pro Football Focus graded Harris, who spent 58% of his time in the slot, as the third-best cornerback in the NFL.
Latest On Chris Harris, Broncos
Another hour, another Chris Harris/Broncos update. Earlier today, we learned that Broncos GM John Elway and agent Frederick Lyles Jr. had been progressing towards a contract adjustment. However, ESPN’s Josina Anderson tweets that there’s been “no additional progress” on a new deal.
Naturally, with contradicting reports like this, the sources are attempting to accomplish something. Following this latest tweet, we can surmise that at least one party (presumably Harris’s camp, although that’s purely speculation) aren’t content with the current negotiations. In other words, while there was optimism earlier today that a new deal could soon be finalized, that may no longer be the case.
To review, Harris is set to earn $8.9MM this year in salary and bonuses. The veteran was looking for a raise and an extension, and it sounds like the Broncos were willing to satisfy part of his request; the front office was reportedly offering the cornerback a pay bump in his walk year.
As our own Zach Links pointed out earlier today, there has been some progress in talks. Harris was initially asking for more than $15MM annually, so his asking price has come down. Furthermore, the two sides have some experience with these types of negotiations, as the Broncos gave Harris a $3MM incentive package last year.
The 29-year-old has yet to practice within the Broncos’ revised 3-4 scheme due to his protest of the club’s voluntary offseason program. There was some hope that the two sides could come to an agreement in time for the Broncos’ final stretch of OTAs on Wednesday.
Broncos, Chris Harris Moving Towards Deal
Broncos GM John Elway and agent Frederick Lyles Jr. have moved closer towards a contract adjustment for Chris Harris, according to Mike Klis of 9News (on Twitter). Harris is presently scheduled to make $8.9MM this year in salary and bonuses but is pushing for a pay bump and an extension. 
Harris might not get the extension he wants, but the Broncos are offering him a pay raise in his walk year. There’s cautious optimism about a deal being reached by the time the Broncos reconvene for their final stretch of OTAs on Wednesday.
Harris, the last remaining member of the Broncos’ famed No Fly Zone secondary, has yet to practice within the Broncos’ revised 3-4 scheme due to his protest of the club’s voluntary offseason program. Elway is hoping to hammer out a deal early this week that will put Harris in practice on Wednesday or, at minimum, ensure his participation in mandatory camp this summer.
The veteran’s asking price has come down from his initial ask of $15MM+, which makes this an easier gap to bridge. There’s also precedent to suggest that Harris will be open to Elway’s proposed pay bump – last year, the Broncos gave Harris a $3MM incentive package to sweeten his $8.5MM payout and got a Pro Bowl season out of him.
Broncos Rumors: Jackson, Harris, Leary
While the cornerstone Broncos secondary cog remains away from the team, the player that helped (indirectly) create the Chris Harris situation may be slated for a hybrid role. Kareem Jackson has continued to line up at safety during Broncos OTAs, Ryan O’Halloran of the Denver Post notes. Given $11MM AAV in March, Jackson joins Justin Simmons as a first-string safety when the team has used its base formation thus far. However, the longtime Texans cornerback moves into his more familiar role when the Broncos shift to their sub-packages, O’Halloran adds. Jackson spent some of the 2018 offseason at safety and began the regular season there, but once Andre Hal returned after his cancer diagnosis, Jackson was shuttled back to corner.
The Broncos appear to be planning to use Harris and Bryce Callahan as base corners, with Jackson and Simmons on the back line. Denver released four-year safety starter Darian Stewart earlier this year and did not use a draft choice on a safety. Oft-used sub player Will Parks remains behind Jackson and Simmons, however, with Su’a Cravens and Jamal Carter still in the mix. But it is not known yet who Simmons’ sidekick in nickel and dime sets will be.
Shifting to the latest on Harris, here is more from Denver:
- The ice between Harris and John Elway appears to be thawing. The sides have resumed negotiations, and the All-Pro corner’s $15MM asking price has come down a bit. It appears Harris will be receiving a raise, and Troy Renck of Denver7 tweets the Broncos and their ninth-year corner are discussing what would be a “big” 2019 salary spike. But interestingly, said big raise may just be for this season. Teams normally like to add control in exchange for salary hikes, but at this point, Harris may still be headed toward a contract year and 2020 free agency. The prospective one-year bump centers around the reality that the Broncos need Harris to contend this season, Renck adds.
- Continuing with the Denver secondary, Simmons is entering his walk year. The 2016 third-round pick became a full-time player for the Broncos in 2017 and was their only defender to play every snap last season (1,078). Simmons is focused on a Broncos extension. “Obviously when it’s all said and done, if I had a choice I would stay here,”Simmons said (via The Athletic’s Nicki Jhabvala, subscription required), “not even a question of looking elsewhere or anything like that.” The Broncos have three starters from the 2016 draft, with Adam Gotsis and Connor McGovern 1.0 also in contract years, but it is not certain any will command lofty salaries. The Broncos’ highest-profile walk-year players are seasoned veterans (Harris, Emmanuel Sanders) rather than rookie-salary cogs on the verge of big money.
- Ronald Leary has ended both of his Broncos campaigns on IR, last season’s Achilles injury occurring in October. But the veteran guard is set to be back as a starter, after seeing $5MM in 2019 injury guarantees kick in earlier this year. The 30-year-old blocker is on track to begin participating in OTAs next week, Alex Marvez of Sirius XM Radio tweets. The Broncos have moved Leary back to right guard, where he played in 2017. Leary was not on board with being moved to left guard last year, Marvez adds. Second-round pick Dalton Risner is expected to be Denver’s starting left guard.
This Date In Transactions History: Broncos Sign Jerry Rice
Jerry Rice is best remembered for his remarkable 16-year career with the Niners, in which he earned a dozen Pro Bowl nods and ten First-Team All-Pro selections. After that, Rice had some less remarkable – but still productive – seasons with the Raiders. His final NFL games were spent in a Seahawks uniform, but that wasn’t the original plan. On this date in 2005, Rice signed a one-year contract with the Broncos. 
“For so many years there was so much pressure on me,” Rice told Denver beat reporters on a conference call after signing his deal (via The Associated Press). “I had to set a certain standard and I still carry on that standard. But I had a lot of weight on my shoulders. I had blinders on. I couldn’t hear the crowd. I couldn’t hear them chanting my name and I couldn’t see little kids in the stands. I was so focused on what I had to do. The last couple of years, though, he has been more of a role player. The ball was not coming my way every down and I’m really enjoying the game and having fun.”
Rice was 42 years old at the time, meaning that his plans to continue playing were ambitious, even by Jon Gruden‘s standards today. In 2004, the legendary receiver totaled just 30 catches for 429 yards and three touchdowns. Even though he still averaged an impressive 14.3 yards per reception, he was no longer the player that he once was, and Denver head coach Mike Shanahan did not guarantee his place on the roster.
“I told Jerry that I don’t know if he’s lost a step or two steps, but you’re going to come here for one reason and that’s to compete with the other guys,” Shanahan said. “And if you’re one of our top five guys at the end of camp, then you’re going to be on our football team. If you’re not, I said I’d have one of the toughest jobs in the world.”
As the season drew near, Rice realized that he would be no higher than fourth or fifth on the Broncos’ depth chart. After serving as a role player in ’04, Rice decided in September that he would rather retire than be a role player in Denver.
The receiver left the game with remarkable league-record totals of 1,549 catches for 22,895 yards and 197 touchdowns – numbers that are in no danger of being eclipsed anytime soon, unless Larry Fitzgerald changes course and decides to play into his 40s.
So, Rice’s run with the Broncos never came to pass, but if you happen to have his replica orange-and-blue jersey hanging in your closet, you can probably fetch a nice price for it on eBay.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.