Williams: Lynch solidified as Broncos starter with Elway extension

A contract extension between the Denver Broncos and general manager John Elway means the executive will be tied to the franchise through the 2021 season.

But, what does it say for Elway’s first-round draft pick from 2016, quarterback Paxton Lynch?

Playing time, says Sports Radio 104.3 The Fan’s Alfred Williams.

Williams said during “The Drive” on Monday that with Elway getting a five-year contract extension just “solidifies” second-year quarterback Paxton Lynch as the Broncos starter.

“John Elway is now solidified here for another five years. Look, man, if it doesn’t work we’ll just start over. Go get another quarterback,” Williams said.

As it stands, just days away from the start of training camp, both Lynch and 2016 starter Trevor Siemian both have a 50-50 shot at the job, according to Broncos head coach Vance Joseph.

But if Williams had his way, he said he’d just “go ahead and start with the kid,” talking about Lynch.

“If it was me, I would just say it’s Paxton Lynch’s job,” Williams said, who added the Broncos weren’t looking for the best player available under center but rather “the guy who has the potential to be a franchise-style quarterback.”

Williams also suggested giving Lynch three weeks of training camp practices and the first preseason game, Thursday, Aug. 10, in Chicago, then giving the gunslinger the job.

“If we wait more than one preseason game, I think it’s too long. We’ve got a game in three weeks. We play a preseason game in three weeks. So, I think that should be enough,” Williams said.

“You had OTAs, you had minicamps, you’ve got training camp starting, and in three weeks you have a game. After that game, you should just say, ‘OK, this is Paxton Lynch’s team. Let’s get ready to go 5-11 and deal with it.’”

The first practice of training camp starts at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday. Check denversports.com for all our The Decision 2017 coverage.

Follow digital content producer Johnny Hart on Twitter: @johnnyhart7.