A spring tradition unlike any other: the Broncos’ unending search for a franchise quarterback. They are at 13 and counting since Peyton Manning retired following Super Bowl 50. Will this time draft be different? A look at the unlucky 13, which largely explains why the Broncos have missed the playoffs for eight straight years and suffered seven consecutive losing seasons:
Trevor Siemian
John Leyba, The Denver Post
Denver Broncos quarterback Trevor Siemian (13) throws a pass to running back Devontae Booker (23) during the third quarter on Dec. 10, 2017 in Denver, Colorado at Sports Authority Field at Mile High Stadium.
Tenure: 2015-17, 13-11 record
Highlight: Four-touchdown, 312-yard performance in 2016 win at Cincinnati.
Lowlight: Three-interception game in 2017 at KC, leading to benching.
Paxton Lynch
Shaban Athuman, The Denver Post
Quarterback Paxton Lynch (12) hands the ball to running back Phillip Lindsay (2) against Minnesota Vikings on Aug. 11, 2018 at Mile High Stadium in Denver.
Tenure: 2016-17, 1-3
Highlight: Threw for 254 yards, nearly beating first-time starter Patrick Mahomes in 2017.
Lowlight: Sobbing as he covered his face in a towel after hurting ankle vs. Raiders in ugly loss.
Brock Osweiler
Joe Amon, The Denver Post
Brock Osweiler (17) of the Denver Broncos throws during the first quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals. The Denver Broncos hosted the Cincinnati Bengals at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on Sunday, Nov. 19, 2017.
Tenure: 2017, 0-4
Highlight: 5-2 in ’15. Doesn’t count. In relief at Colts, led the team to its only road win of ’17 season.
Lowlight: Picked twice, sacked three times in a 51-23 loss at Eagles.
Case Keenum
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver Post
Case Keenum (4) of the Denver Broncos cannot score inside the redzone against the Los Angeles Chargers during the first half on Sunday, Dec. 30, 2018. The Denver Broncos hosted the Los Angeles Chargers.
Tenure: 2018, 6-10
Highlight: Rallied Broncos to 24-17 win over Steelers, keeping Denver briefly in playoff race.
Lowlight: Missed open Demaryius Thomas for TD vs. KC at home, changing course of season.
Joe Flacco
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver Post
Joe Flacco (5) of the Denver Broncos before the first quarter against the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019.
Tenure: 2019, 2-6
Highlight: Ripped head coach, OC after loss to Colts: “We are afraid to go for it.”
Lowlight: In same game, he suffered season-ending neck injury, ending his career with Broncos.
Brandon Allen
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – NOVEMBER 17: Brandon Allen (2) of the Denver Broncos throws downfield to Courtland Sutton (14) against the Minnesota Vikings during the second half of Minnesota’s 27-23 win on Sunday, November 17, 2019. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Tenure: 2019, 1-2
Highlight: Threw two touchdowns with no interceptions in debut win over Browns.
Lowlight: Needed cutoff man to make long throws in wind at Bills. Completed 10 passes in loss.
Drew Lock
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver Post
Drew Lock (3) of the Denver Broncos throws against the Las Vegas Raiders during the first half at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 26, 2021.
Tenure: 2019-21, 8-13
Highlight: Looked like star in 309-yard, three-TD outing at playoff-bound Texans in ’19.
Lowlight: Completed 48% of passes with four INTs in 37-12 loss at Raiders in 2020.
Jeff Driskel
Andy Cross, The Denver Post
Denver Broncos quarterback Jeff Driskel (9) throws an incomplete pass against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the second quarter at Heinz Field on Sept. 20, 2020.
Tenure: 2020, 0-1
Highlight: Staged spirit comeback in relief at Steelers, throwing two touchdowns.
Lowlight: Started the next week at home vs. Bucs, was sacked five times and benched.
Brett Rypien
Brett Rypien (4) of the Denver Broncos throws a pass against the Arizona Cardinals during the second quarter at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver on Sunday, Dec. 18, 2022. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Tenure: 2020-22, 2-1
Highlight: Let it Ryp in prime time game vs. Jets, delivering two scores in 2020.
Lowlight: Lost to Jets at home in 2022, producing one touchdown drive.
Phillip Lindsay
DENVER, CO – NOVEMBER 29: Phillip Lindsay (30) of the Denver Broncos runs as Malcolm Jenkins (27) of the New Orleans Saints pursues during the first half on Sunday, November 29, 2020. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Tenure: 2020, 0-1
Highlight: Taking the snap in the Wildcat formation as the COVID starter vs. Saints in 2020.
Lowlight: Giving way to Kendall Hinton in the COVID game. Hinton completed one pass in loss.
Teddy Bridgewater
DENVER, CO – DECEMBER 12: Teddy Bridgewater (5) celebrates a rushing touchdown by Melvin Gordon (25) of the Denver Broncos against the Detroit Lions during the third quarter at Empower Field at Mile High on Sunday, December 12, 2021. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Tenure: 2021, 7-7
Highlight: Delivered 328 yards passing at Jacksonville. Part of a terrific 3-0 start to season.
Lowlight: Did not try to tackle Eagles’ Darius Slay on fumble return for TD. Fans turned on him.
Russell Wilson
Under pressure Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson (3) looks to pass the ball down the field during the first half of the game at Empower Field at Mile High on November 26, 2023 in Denver, Colorado. The Denver Broncos took on the Cleveland Browns during week 12 of the NFL season. (Photo by RJ Sangosti/The Denver Post)
Tenure: 2022-23, 11-19
Highlight: Thought he would be benched during bye week. Then rallied Broncos to win at Bills.
Lowlight: Needing FG to win vs. Colts, threw awful INT to Stephon Gilmore in crippling ’22 loss.
Jarrett Stidham
Denver Broncos quarterback Jarrett Stidham (4) in the first quarter against the Los Angeles Chargers at Empower Field at Mile High Denver on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2023. (Photo by Andy Cross/The Denver Post)
Tenure: 2023, 1-1
Highlight: Won starting debut vs. Chargers by taking care of the ball and only taking two sacks.
Lowlight: Threw pick and was sacked five times in discouraging season-ending loss to Raiders.
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