State of the Roster – Quarterback

With the long offseason ahead, BroncoTalk begins its look forward to the 2008 season by looking at the current state of the Broncos roster, position by position. We’ll take a look at the players signed through 2008, and give you our opinion on the need this position represents for the Broncos this offseason. Enjoy.

Jay Cutler
Contract Status: Signed through 2011
The Broncos drafted Jay Cutler with their top pick in 2006 with the mindset that he would be the Broncos franchise QB for years to come. Early signs show that he’s capable of being just that. Praise for Cutler by the coaches, players, and fans has been well-deserved – Jay is developing into the best quarterback the Broncos have seen since John Elway.

In 2007: Coming into the 2007 season, Cutler’s favorite targets were Javon Walker and Tony Scheffler. Both would miss time due to injury, but Cutler still put up good numbers. He finished the year with just shy of 3,500 yards, scoring 20 touchdowns to only 14 interceptions, for an 88.1 passer rating (best in the AFC West).

In 2008: Barring injury, Cutler is the unquestioned starter for the Broncos. Look for him to improve on his numbers as he grows in the Denver system. 4,000 yards and a passer rating in the 90’s isn’t far fetched, especially if the offensive line does a better job protecting the young passer.

Patrick Ramsey
Contract Status: Signed through 2008
The Broncos signed Patrick Ramsey to a two-year deal in 2007, making 2008 his contract year. Ramsey is a young quarterback that has already seen himself in several different team colors since being drafted in the first round by the Washington Redskins in 2002.

In 2007: Ramsey played one game for the Broncos against Detroit when Jay Cutler went down with a leg injury in the first half. Coach Mike Shanahan had high praise for Ramsey’s efforts, but I was honestly left thinking that this team is in trouble without Cutler behind center. But how many situations are there where a backup could perform to the level of the starter? His passer rating in the 70’s for that game is consistent with his career, and it’s hard to expect much higher from someone coming from a backup position.

In 2008: Only if needed due to injury to Cutler.

Darrell Hackney
Contract Status: UFA 2008 (unconfirmed)
The Broncos promoted Hackney from their practice squad in November, and Hackney never saw the field. He’s short and plump with a rocket arm. His off field issues are a concern (a DUI last month, along with other dropped chargers earlier in the year), and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him waived by the Broncos because of these issues.

In 2007: Did not play; promoted from practice squad in November after signing as Denver’s first free agent signing in March.

In 2008: Could see himself on another team due to off-field issues. The Broncos have managed with two quarterbacks on the roster for years; he may not need to be replaced.

The Bottom Line

Signed through 2008: 2
Offseason Priority: Low