Denver Broncos are facing some unusual issues ahead of the start of their training camp. According to The Athletics’ Nick Jhabvala, Broncos’ rookie quarterback Drew Lock decided to hold out as he is still negotiating his rookie contract with the team.
Jhabvala reports that Lock and Broncos didn’t manage to agree on a deal as the player and his agent Tom Condon want to get a “QB premium” as part of the contract.
Reportedly, the main issue is that Drew Lock, whom Denver took 42nd overall, wants to get paid more than offensive guard Dalton Risner, who was selected one pick ahead of him. This might be a bit hard to pull off, as the NFL capped the maximum allowed salary for Lock’s draft slot at $7.01 million over four years. The two sides, however, can negotiate the amount of guaranteed money and bonuses.
Entering the 2019 NFL Draft, Lock was considered a raw QB with a big potential in the right offense. QB-needy Denver Broncos decided to take him in the second round with a plan to sit him for few years behind starter Joe Flacco and hand him over the job when he is ready.
Since Lock isn’t expected to see action in 2019 NFL season, getting snaps during the training camp and in the preseason games might be crucial for his development. This is why no one expects that his hold out lasts for long, but we’ll have to wait and see whether he or the Broncos give up first.
