Report: Broncos Decline to Tender RFA QB Brett Rypien

Rypien now heads to unrestricted free agency.

Russell Wilson will have a new clipboard holder in 2023.

Per 9News' Mike Klis, the Denver Broncos opted not to tender restricted free-agent quarterback Brett Rypien, who now heads to unrestricted free agency at the start of Monday's legal tampering period.

The decision, as most do, boiled down to money.

"The low tender of $2.63M is tad high compared to what many backup QBs receive," Klis explained. "The more experienced Trevor Siemian, for instance, played for $990K-$2M in recent yrs."

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Undrafted in 2019, Rypien made eight appearances for the Broncos, starting three. The Boise State product, more brains than brawn, completed 61.5% of his passes with 778 passing yards, four touchdowns, and eight interceptions. He went 1-1 last season in relief of an injured Wilson.

Rypien, 26, joins a star-studded list of available QB2s, a pool featuring (among others) Baker Mayfield, Jacoby Brissett, Sam Darnold, Marcus Mariota, and Teddy Bridgewater.

As for the Broncos, who have well over $30 million in salary-cap room, Klis speculated the team could pursue Jameis Winston if the former No. 1 overall pick — who's familiar with head coach Sean Payton — is released by the New Orleans Saints.

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