6 NFL teams that are a franchise quarterback away from being contenders

4. Denver Broncos

The Denver Broncos have had a difficult time finding their next franchise quarterback ever since Peyton Manning rode off into the sunset following the team’s win in Super Bowl 50. Since then, John Elway has tried a few different options at quarterback ranging from Trevor Siemian to Joe Flacco to now Drew Lock, who the team drafted in the second round last year.

Lock impressed in limited action as a rookie and the Broncos received some hype this offseason as a result. The Broncos made it a point to address the offensive side of the ball too in hopes of keeping up with the explosive Chiefs. Meanwhile, their defense continued to improve and that’s been a bright spot for the Broncos through the first eight weeks of the season.

Lock falls into the category of the Broncos not really knowing if he’s the guy or not. He’s only in the second year of his career and has just 10 starts under his belt. While his numbers this season aren’t terrible (927 yards, four touchdowns, five interceptions), he overshoots his targets and still doesn’t seem comfortable in the pocket.

The Broncos shouldn’t give up on Lock after this year, but he has suffered injuries a few different times already into his career and is just very inconsistent. With a franchise signal-caller, the Broncos could be a playoff contender for sure. No one is sure if that’s what Lock is for the Broncos.