What’s next for Brock Osweiler?
This time last year, quarterback Brock Osweiler had just signed a four year, $72 million contract with the Houston Texans. Forming an offensive nucleus with running back Lamar Miller and receiver DeAndre Hopkins, Osweiler was seen as the final piece that could push Houston into Super Bowl contention.
However, fast-forward to 2017 and Osweiler has been exiled to Cleveland after a disastrous season in Houston. The Browns agreed to take on Osweiler’s bloated contract in exchange for a 2018 second round pick and a sixth this season while sending the Texans a 2017 fourth rounder.
Osweiler completed 59% of his passes for 2957 yards, 15 touchdowns and 16 interceptions last season and struggled to gel with head coach Bill O’Brien. It’s widely believed that O’Brien never wanted Osweiler in the first place, but general manager Rick Smith signed the former Denver Bronco despite apparently never meeting him in person. So why didn’t Osweiler work out for the Texans?
Osweiler was Peyton Manning’s understudy in Denver. However, in 2015 head coach Gary Kubiak benched Manning in a Week 10 game against Kansas City after he had struggled for much of the year. Osweiler played well as a starter, posting a 5–2 record and completing 62% of his passes for 1967 yards, 10 touchdowns and six interceptions.
But Osweiler was replaced by Manning during Denver’s post-season run to a Super Bowl victory. Resenting the decision, Osweiler declined general manager John Elway’s contract offer in the wake of Manning’s retirement and chose the Texans instead.
Denver drafted Osweiler in the second round in 2012 out of Arizona State. In his final year with the Sun Devils, Osweiler played in an Air Raid-style spread offense that didn’t require him to make many reads. In Denver, Osweiler excelled in Kubiak’s quarterback-friendly system and wasn’t required to change plays at the line.
O’Brien runs an up-tempo offense that can make things easier for a quarterback, but it requires a patient, decisive passer who can read the field and make decisions quickly; something Osweiler struggled to grasp. After a poor season, Osweiler was benched in Week 16 in favour of Tom Savage. However, Savage was injured the following week, and Osweiler was asked to start for the playoffs after Houston won the AFC South with a 9–7 record.
There were rumours of multiple altercations between O’Brien and Osweiler, who felt that being benched meant that he wasn’t wanted. This, along with Osweiler’s disappointing season, led to the trade with Cleveland. It’s highly unlikely that the Browns retain Osweiler, so he will be free to find a team that wants him after his inevitable release.
But there are no teams currently offering a realistic chance for Osweiler to start. San Francisco has already signed Brian Hoyer, and the Jets recently signed Josh McCown. If he wants to play again, Osweiler will have to return to a backup role somewhere. So where could he go?
Buffalo Bills
Rick Dennison is the new offensive coordinator in Buffalo, having directed Gary Kubiak’s offenses in Denver over the past two seasons; when Osweiler excelled. Osweiler will be familiar with Dennison’s system, and the Bills lack depth behind starter Tyrod Taylor.
Chicago Bears
The Bears are committed to Mike Glennon as their starter after giving him a three year, $45 million contract, but Osweiler could find a backup role with the coach who drafted him; John Fox. Osweiler will know Fox’s scheme, and would benefit from a strong running game anchored by Jordan Howard if he sees the field.
Denver Broncos
This is a reach, given the bad blood between Osweiler and Elway. But Elway was willing to offer Osweiler $16 million a season a year ago, and could compete with Trevor Siemian and Paxton Lynch for a starting role if he can patch things up with Elway and Denver loses out on Tony Romo.
