Clayton: The Broncos got potentially bad news on the Rodgers front

The Broncos got some scary reports over the weekend.

National reports indicate that the Green Bay Packers are willing to make Aaron Rodgers the highest-paid player in the NFL. Patrick Mahomes signed a contract that is reported at $45 million per season, even though when he signed it the deal was a little less than $40 million in new money.

Obviously, one of the keys for Rodgers is finding a way to keep Davante Adams in Green Bay, who is Rodgers’ favorite receiver. Rodgers said he would be making his future decision during the franchise tag period when starts Feb. 22. But money talks and Rodgers may not walk.

That would be a big blow to the Broncos search for a quarterback. The Broncos were the favorite if Rodgers ended up being traded. They have three good receivers and a good team. But if Rodgers doesn’t come to Denver, it will be a big struggle to upgrade from Teddy Bridgewater.

Getting Rodgers would allow the Broncos to compete better in the quarterback loaded AFC. The conference has nine quarterbacks who are 26 or younger and they are all former first-rounders. Seven of them were taken in the top 10. Six of them have been selected to the Pro Bowl.

If Rodgers isn’t available, general manager George Paton’s job will be tougher. Not only does the AFC has all those great young quarterbacks, but it also has Derek Carr and Ryan Tannehill.

This isn’t a great draft for quarterbacks. The Broncos could go for a veteran, but they will get a good idea about Rodgers before the end of the month.

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