The Broncos have ramped up their efforts to keep Brock Osweiler and negotiations are ongoing, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com tweets. As we’ve heard before, Rapoport says that it’s down to the Broncos and Texans for the QB.
Earlier this month, the Broncos reportedly offered Osweiler a three-year deal worth roughly $39MM. Of course, it’s hard to judge Osweiler’s value as a whole, given that he’s started only seven games during his four-year career, but the demand of the open market is what dictates the price. The Texans badly need to find an answer at quarterback and the Broncos are going to have to scramble if they cannot retain Osweiler. Peyton Manning, who looked like a shell of his former self in 2015 anyway, officially retired from the NFL this week.
If the Broncos lose Osweiler, they’re backup plan will reportedly be to make a play for 49ers QB Colin Kaepernick. The agents for quarterback Kaepernick requested permission from the 49ers to seek a trade late last month. When comparing Kaepernick’s 2015 to Osweiler’s 2015 (albeit with a limited sample size), Denver would rather retain their longtime understudy than try and restore Kaepernick as a franchise QB.
The Texans have long been expected to make a “competitive” offer to Osweiler. Per reports, $15-16MM might be the figure Osweiler is targeting.
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