Could Sean Payton, Broncos be ‘looking for Baker’ or another QB in free agency?

Denver Broncos coach Sean Payton, after landing on a couch during his tour de force appearance on Radio Row at the Super Bowl last week, was posed a question: Which NFL quarterback is the most unfairly hated? “I’m sure that frickin’ Baker was one of them,” Payton told USA Today Sports, referring to Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback, and impending free agent, Baker Mayfield. Athletes weigh in on most unfairly hated quarterbacks in NFL pic.twitter.com/wZtQ5jOYlc — USA TODAY Sports February 11, 2024 Still, the brief response to the question, which came amid other comments Payton made about the team’s future at quarterback as it prepares to announce a decision on veteran Russell Wilson, was a reminder Denver’s search for a starter at the position could take many different turns in the coming weeks and months. That echoed the philosophy of his boss, Broncos owner Greg Penner, who said after last spring’s spending spree: “You don’t want to have to necessarily spend that way every year.” GO DEEPER Sean Payton's search for offensive progress is about more than the QB puzzle The franchise’s stated desire to limit spending in free agency would seemingly run counter to the idea of paying a big price — at least in terms of cap dollars — to acquire a quarterback. GO DEEPER Predicting Broncos' free-agent fates, from Lloyd Cushenberry to Josey Jewell A more prudent move for the Broncos if they use free agency as a method for finding another starting quarterback is identifying the player who could turn in a Smith or Mayfield performance on a one-year deal.