Klis: Broncos didn’t trade up for QB Lynch to have him sit two years
Dec 22, 2016, 10:04 PM | Updated: Dec 23, 2016, 2:18 am
It is a long time between now and the opening game of the 2017 season for the Denver Broncos.
Right now, second-year pro Trevor Siemian has cemented himself under center.
Next year? According to an NFL.com report, Siemian could be the team’s quarterback past this season, ahead of 2016 first-round draft pick Paxton Lynch.
Citing a report from NFL Network’s James Palmer on Wednesday’s “Up to the Minute Live,” people “within the building” believe Siemian may be the guy going forward despite Lynch’s first-round status.
But talking with Sports Radio 104.3 The Fan’s “The Drive” on Thursday, 9News Broncos Insider Mike Klis said to hold off on naming a starter for next season, that Denver didn’t trade up for Lynch to sit him for two years.
“The Broncos did not move up in the draft in the first round to get Paxton Lynch with the idea of having him sit for two years,” Klis said. “That’s just not practical.”
Klis cautioned proclaiming one or the other the starter before seeing Lynch and Siemian in the offseason.
“In the offseason, I think both of those guys will compete. Trevor will start off with the No. 1, but Paxton Lynch will get first-team reps. And then we’ll see how Lynch comes along, as far as who’s going to be the starter opening day of 2017,” Klis said. “That’s a long time between now and then.”
However, Klis did point to the Broncos rushing back Siemian from injury twice this season as a sign that Lynch, as of right now, is not nearly ready to take the reins of the Denver offense.
“The Broncos did rush Siemian back from injury against San Diego earlier this year. They did rush him back from injury, the foot injury, against Tennessee this year. That tells you right there that the Broncos don’t think that Paxton Lynch is anywhere ready right now,” Klis said. “But let’s see what he does during the offseason.”
As for who has the edge next season, Klis said, “Right now Paxton Lynch has the bigger upside. Trevor Siemian is more ready.”
Follow digital content producer Johnny Hart on Twitter: @johnnyhart7.
