Broncos insider floats $4 million QB as ‘Ideal match’ for Sean Payton’s offense

Based on a succession of cuts or rearranging player contracts, the Denver Broncos can free up approximately $62 million in salary cap space,

according to Jason Fitzgerald of Over The Cap on December 22.

In order to get there without totally crippling the team, some effort will be required.

For head coach Sean Payton’s “ideal” quarterback, Baker Mayfield, it might be worth it.

If the Russell Wilson dead-cap hit weren’t associated with financial consequences, Mayfield would be the most

sensible first pick for the Broncos.

Mike Klis of 9News Broncos said on January 28 that “his ability to process quickly and accurately throw timing routes makes him an

ideal match with Sean Payton’s offense.”

“Mayfield recently played his way from a one-year, $4 million prove-it deal to maybe a new three-year, $75 million to $100 million contract.

In 2018, Mayfield, 28, was selected first overall.

Mayfield divided the 2022 season between the Carolina Panthers and Los Angeles Rams after spending his first four

seasons with the Cleveland Browns.

He used the latter to earn a one-year, $6.8 million (with incentives) contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this season.

Mayfield completed 64.3% of his passes for 4,044 yards, 28 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions in 2023.

No Broncos passer has thrown for 4,000 yards since Peyton Manning in 2014, per Stathead.