Legendary QB Would 'Love to See' Baker Mayfield-Broncos Marriage

Indeed, "good play" was uttered consistently throughout 2023 as Mayfield, an ex-Browns castoff, enjoyed a career resurgence in Tampa Bay, throwing for a personal-best 4,044 yards with 28 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. 

The former No. 1 overall pick finally looked the part, leading the 9-8 Buccaneers to an NFC South title — and beating the Eagles in the postseason Wild Card round — while earning his first-ever Pro Bowl selection.

As such, Mayfield is in line for a massive payday, perhaps as much as $40 million annually on a long-term contract which the Bucs are expected to pursue. Failing that, the club could retain him via the franchise tag for the 2024 campaign.

Even if Mayfield makes it to the open market next month, the Broncos are nearly $24 million over the salary cap and stand to eat another $85 million in dead money once Russell Wilson is released. Simply put, they can't afford to shop from the top shelf.

The clearance rack is more aligned to Denver's financial ballpark — and Esiason knows where to look there, too.

"A guy like Jake Browning on the Bengals, for instance," he told Mason. "Came out of nowhere. And had a great year replacing Joe Burrow.

“Could that be a guy that the Broncos would consider? Because he would be a less-expensive guy, and you could build a better team around him. So, somebody like that be in the offing, or somebody in the draft.”