Broncos don’t think backup QB has to be a veteran

The Broncos might not sign a veteran backup quarterback this offseason.

The Broncos are probably going to move on from Joe Flacco this offseason, an expected move that could save the team more than $10 million in salary cap space. If that happens, though, Denver won’t have a veteran backup on the roster behind second-year QB Drew Lock.

Brandon Allen is set to become a restricted free agent and Brett Rypien will be entering just his second year in the league. A veteran like Chase Daniel — who served as a backup for the Bears while Vic Fangio was their defensive coordinator in 2018 — could be a logical fit.

Although a player like Daniel could make sense, Fangio hinted at the NFL combine on Tuesday that the team may not necessarily bring in a veteran to serve as Lock’s backup.

“It doesn’t have to be veteran,” Fangio said of the team’s backup QB plans. “We just want to make sure we have a capable backup behind him. Allen may be that guy. ‘Rip’ may be that guy.

“We’ll look and see what else is out there, but I don’t think it has to be veteran. ‘Rip’ and Allen were great guys for Drew when he took over for him to be in those meetings beside them. From that angle, those guys could fulfill that part too.”

Allen started in three games last year. Rypien was not credited for dressing for any games so he will be considered a first-year player in 2020.

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