The apex of the NFL’s rumor mill is upon us. Prepare yourself for multiple reports each and every day this week.
The latest is coming out of Denver. All indications are pointing to John Elway’s Broncos inquiring about Cowboys veteran quarterback Tony Romo, who is expected to be released soon. And if Denver does land Romo, starting quarterback Trevor Siemian will likely be on his way out.
Mike Klis of 9News has the story:
If the Broncos were to acquire Romo, Elway figures to almost instantly receive trade requests for Siemian, starting with the San Francisco 49ers. New 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan communicated during his head coach interview with the Broncos he was impressed with Siemian, who is scheduled to make a ridiculously affordable $615,000 this season and $705,000 in 2018 as part of his rookie contract.
There’s a ton to love about Siemian, starting with his contract. His track record is very similar to that of Mike Glennon and he’ll be in line to earn a fraction of what the Tampa Bay quarterback is set to make on the open market. Siemian threw for 18 touchdowns, 10 interceptions and 3,401 yards in 14 starts last season. The former seventh-round pick held the job hostage from hotshot rookie Paxton Lynch. Denver did miss the playoffs a season after winning the Super Bowl with Peyton Manning. Siemian is just 25 years old.
Elway might also be willing to deal Siemian to his buddy John Lynch more than he would another team in the AFC. You’d be surprised how far nepotism reaches in NFL circles. Lynch is that good of a dude, Elway really might be willing to give his friend the first crack at Siemian. Compensation could be anywhere between a second to fourth round pick. I’m told the team is set on adding some type of quarterback option in March so they aren’t walking into April’s draft with their cards flopped over on the table that the position is a grand need.
As far as affordable stop gap options go, Siemian could be ideal. Shanahan could develop him into a better quarterback than Gary Kubiak was able to. And if not, Siemian is certainly a legitimate backup for a Kirk Cousins, Jimmy Garoppolo or a rookie such as Deshaun Watson. If Siemian fails, the cost of getting rid of him won’t matter and the 49ers can restart their quarterback carousel in 2018 with little consequences.
Depending on the draft pick compensation, this would viewed as a win for the 49ers. Shanahan and Lynch should be rooting for Romo to sign with Elway.
H/T to Chris Biderman for finding this report first.