Denver Broncos
As good as cornerback Patrick Surtain II could end up being for this team, I have a feeling that the Broncos are ultimately going to regret passing on Ohio State QB Justin Fields in the 2021 NFL Draft. Nothing is more important to winning football games than your quarterback, and John Elway of all people should know that.
Since Peyton Manning helped the Broncos to a Super Bowl victory following the 2015 season, the quarterback situation in Denver has been a nightmare. Teddy Bridgewater proved to be a serviceable stop-gap option this season, but he could be the top QB on the free-agent market and the Broncos may not be willing to give up elite money to retain the 29-year-old QB — especially if they have plans to move on with a rookie. Drew Locke is clearly not the answer.
If this proves to be the case, Elway could be enticed to go with a future Hall of Famer like Roethlisberger. They found success doing this in the past, and this could give them a competent bridge quarterback at a discount price until they find their next franchise passer.
For what it’s worth, I think it’s very unlikely that Ben Roethlisberger ever plays for another franchise, and I know the Rooney’s wouldn’t want it any other way. However, if the Steelers are done with him after the 2021 season and Ben still wants to keep playing, perhaps one of these five teams would be interested in bringing him in to help their team in 2022.