It looks like the Texans weren't bluffing. The team has agreed to a deal in principle with former Broncos quarterback Brock Osweiler, confirms CBS Sports NFL Insider Jason La Canfora. NFL Network's Rand Getlin. first reported the news.
That means Denver will have to see what's behind Door No. 3 following Peyton Manning's retirement and Osweiler's defection. (Colin Kaepernick, anyone?)
ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that Osweiler's deal is for four years and $72 million.
The Broncos have made it known for weeks that they wanted Osweiler back -- both general manager John Elway and coach Gary Kubiak could speaking highly enough of the 25-year-old passer.
"I think he has a very bright future," Kubiak said last month of Osweiler. "Obviously we think the world of him, and we want him to be a part of our football team -- we've got a lot of guys that are free [agents] like that. But he's been really special with the job he's done this year, and I think he's grown a great deal."
Elway added: "We wouldn't have been world champs without Brock. We needed both quarterbacks to play like they played. It allowed us to be world champions."
The Broncos reportedly had a three-year, $45 million deal on the table for Osweiler. Clearly, it wasn't enough and now the defending Super Bowl champs go from having two viable options to none.
(The last time that happened? The Ravens, following their 2000 title run.)
So what did it take for Osweiler to spurn Denver for Houston?
Osweiler's deal with the Texans likely to come around the $16M/yr range. DEN offered $13M originally were willing to move a bit higher...
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) March 9, 2016
And here's where we wonder if $2-$3 million a year was worth the Broncos saying no thanks and moving on to whatever Plan C is.
Meanwhile, the Texans' interest in Osweiler is no secret; La Canfora wrote last month that they would be in the mix. Ironically, Osweiler compares physically to Ryan Mallett, who was battling for the starting job last season, but a combination of erractic play and chronic tardiness led Houston to release him.
If nothing else, we know that Osweiler can set an alarm clock.
Meanwhile, the Texans are just getting started. After releasing Arian Foster last week, the team has signed former Dolphins running back Lamar Miller to a four-year, $26 million deal, reports La Canfora.
On paper, the Texans are suddenly formidable, at least in the AFC South. But if we've learned anything about free agency, especially the first 24 hours, it means little once the games start six months from now.
Finally: No word if unlimited pizza delivery was included in Osweiler's contract.
