Good morning Broncos Country!

It appears the Broncos will make a strong run at impending free agent quarterback Kirk Cousins once free agency opens. You know, we have covered that up and down the past weeks/months, but what happens if they miss out on Cousins?

It appears their “Plan B” will be Minnesota Vikings quarterback Case Keenum.

There have been multiple reports tying Case Keenum to the Broncos, but recently Bleacher Report’s Matt Miller said that the Broncos “like” Keenum.

Free agents Kirk Cousins and Case Keenum will have a major impact on the top six picks in the draft. If Cousins signs with the Denver Broncos or New York Jets, they wouldn’t be likely to draft a quarterback early. But what if Keenum signs with the Broncos—would they still draft a quarterback at No. 5 overall? In talking to a Broncos front office member this week, I learned the team likes Keenum, and signing him would allow Denver to go elsewhere in Round 1.

The Keenum connection makes sense. The Broncos nearly traded for him a few seasons back when he was with the Rams, and Gary Kubiak loves him some Case Keenum. He play for Kubiak in Houston and now Kubiak is one General Manager John Elway’s most trusted executives, so the dot connecting makes sense.

Before this season with the Vikings, Keenum was considered a journeyman quarterback/career backup, but his career year has him in line for a major payday. He could be looking at $20-23 million dollars per year per reports. Could the Broncos be the ones to pay them that?

Cousins appears to be the Broncos top target, but if they move on, they could give a longterm deal to Case Keenum. Miller even points out that if they sign Keenum, they would not take a quarterback with their 5th overall pick. Not my ideal scenario, but one that appears to be in play.

So now I ask you Mile High Report, which way would you rather see the Broncos go? A $20 to $23 million dollar per year deal to Case Keenum or a $27 to $30 million dollar per year deal to Kirk Cousins? (Poll below the links)

Horse Tracks:

John DeFilippo won't leave 'stone unturned' in QB hunt - NFL.com
The Vikings' brain trust has important decisions to make with incumbent starter Case Keenum, veteran Sam Bradford and wild-card Teddy Bridgewater all slated for free agency in March.

Colts to hire Chargers WR coach Nick Sirianni as OC - NFL.com
NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported, according to a source involved, that the Colts are hiring Chargers wide receiver coach Nick Sirianni as their offensive coordinator.

Su'a Cravens applies for reinstatement to league - NFL.com
Washington is a step closer to seeing another budding star return to the field. Redskins safety Su'a Cravens has officially applied to the NFL for reinstatement, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported.

Johnny Manziel says he's sober, hopes to play football - NFL.com
Former Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel hasn't played since 2015. In an interview with 'Good Morning America,' Manziel detailed his struggle with depression and his hope for a return to football.

Players share stories at Black College Football HOF ceremony - NFL.com
Members of the Black College Football Hall of Fame Class of 2018 shared their stories about the history of playing at Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

Lane Johnson: Patriots are a 'fear-based organization' - NFL.com
Philadelphia Eagles offensive lineman Lane Johnson called his Super Bowl LII opponent, the New England Patriots, a 'fear-based' organization,' claiming the team lacks fun.

Tarps off: Jaguars open up seats for 2018 season - NFL.com
The Jacksonville Jaguars announced Monday the tarps covering the upper bowl at EverBank Field will be permanently removed. Removal of the tarps will provide an additional 3,501 seats.

Reuben Foster allegedly dragged girlfriend during argument – ProFootballTalk
Details are beginning to emerge regarding the incident that resulted in 49ers linebacker Reuben Foster being arrested for domestic violence. According to Robert Salonga and Cam Inman of the San Jose Mercury News, Foster allegedly dragged his girlfriend during an argument at a Los Gatos, Californi...

Marquis Flowers: Five Super Bowls is more fun than one – ProFootballTalk
Marquis Flowers admits he's got a "lil time to waste" now that it's the offseason, so he spent the day firing back at Eagles offensive tackle Lane Johnson.

Tedy Bruschi: Lane Johnson is wrong, Patriots have a lot of fun – ProFootballTalk
Eagles offensive lineman Lane Johnson ruffled some feathers in New England when he said his team has more fun than the Patriots, who live in fear of Bill Belichick. Now a former Patriot is hitting back.

C.J. Fiedorowicz contemplates retirement due to concussions – ProFootballTalk
In late August, Texans tight end C.J. Fiedorowicz signed a three-year, $21.5 million contract. Now, he may be walking away from the final two seasons of the deal. Fiedorowicz acknowledged over the weekend that he's thinking about retiring, after suffering three concussions in 2017.

Pereira thinks Goodell told Riveron to change his standard on replay reviews – ProFootballTalk
The NFL appeared to change its standard for overturning calls in instant replay in 2017-2018, with head of officiating Al Riveron seeming to stray away from the "indisputable" standard in the regular season only to return to it in the postseason.

Justin Coleman auctions jersey off from kettle jump for The Salvation Army – ProFootballTalk
Seahawks cornerback Justin Coleman leaped into The Salvation Army kettle in AT&T Stadium in Dallas after intercepting Dak Prescott for a 30-yard touchdown in Seattle's Christmas Eve victory over the Cowboys.

Marv Levy throws his support behind Frank Reich in taking over Colts – ProFootballTalk
Former Buffalo Bills head coach Marv Levy was effusive in his praise of new Indianapolis Colts head coach Frank Reich. Via Mike Wells of ESPN.com, Levy spoke highly of the former Bills backup quarterback whom he spent nine years coaching in Buffalo.