The Denver Broncos are still searching for a franchise quarterback, and Peyton Manning believes he may have found one in Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy. Manning, who led the Broncos to two Super Bowl victories, recently had a conversation with McCarthy and came away impressed.
“I texted him the day after the national championship, I never met him but we invited him to our football camp and [Jim] Harbaugh wouldn’t let him miss a workout so he didn’t get to go,” Manning said. “So I just reached out and said, ‘Hey, man, congratulations, wish you the best of luck in your next chapter.’”
McCarthy, who is projected to be a top-10 pick in the upcoming NFL draft, is said to have mutual interest in joining the Broncos. However, Denver may need to trade up to secure his services.
“I know and it sounded like a place he’d love to come to but it’s a little bit out of his control,” Manning said.
If the Broncos are able to acquire McCarthy, they will have a young, talented quarterback with a high ceiling. McCarthy is a dual-threat quarterback who can make plays with his arm and his legs. He is also a winner, having led Michigan to the national championship last season.
McCarthy would be a major upgrade for the Broncos, who have struggled to find a consistent quarterback since Manning retired. If they can trade up to get him, they could have their franchise quarterback for the next decade.
