4 QBs Who Could Sign with Denver Broncos, Give Tim Tebow Run for His Money

Last season Tim Tebow came in midseason to relieve Kyle Orton after the Denver Broncos went 1-4.

Long story short, the Broncos finished 8-8, defeated the AFC Champion Pittsburgh Steelers at home in the Wild Card Round, closed out at 9-9 and Tebow was 8-5 as a starter.

However, Tebow also had just a 46.5 completion percentage in the regular season, and 40.4 in the postseason. Not to mention, he fumbled 13 times and threw six interceptions.

So, there's still progress to be made, but the potential is there, as he simply found a way to win. That said, without any competition in training camp, Tebow won't improve to his fullest before 2012 kicks off.

Therefore, here are some free agent quarterbacks Denver should consider, to give Tebow a run for his money.

David Garrard

Although he sat out the entire 2011 season, former Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback David Garrard has now had a year to get completely healthy and make a comeback.

Before being let go from the Jags, Garrard was their starter from 2007 through 2010, where he threw for over 2,500 yards each season and over 3,500 in 2008 and 2009.

In addition, Garrard connected on 71 touchdown passes to just 41 picks and a completion percentage of 63.0. Not to mention, Jacksonville lacked any overly dominant receivers, but at least Garrard had Maurice Jones-Drew to fall back on.

With the Broncos, there's a solid ground game, developing receivers and an improving defense. Consider Garrard's scrambling ability, where he gained over 1,100 yards between '07 and '10, and added 11 rushing touchdowns.

Other than not having MJD in the backfield, Denver is a nice fit for Garrard and he would easily make Tebow improve, as both are eerily similar quarterbacks. Plus, if Tebow were to get injured or benched, the Broncos have an experienced backup to rely on.

Jason Campbell

The biggest concern with Jason Campbell is health.

After getting injured and missing the majority of the 2011 season, it would be surprising for one, to see the Oakland Raiders retain him. That said, however, Campbell did display solid numbers before going down and has developed into a reliable game manager.

Backed by a great rushing attack in Oakland, Campbell was able to throw for over 1,100 yards in six games, while pitting a 60.6 completion percentage and a rating of 84.2.

In Denver, Campbell would once again have a sound rushing attack in the backfield with running back Willis McGahee, and better developed receivers than Oakland. Not to mention, a better overall defense with guys like Von Miller and Elvis Dumervil.

As for competing with Tebow, Campbell's shot to start in Week 1 would be much less than a guy like David Garrard, as he's not nearly as well-established. However, Campbell has proven to get the job done when called upon, with the ability to air it out when needed.

When Campbell got injured against Cleveland, Oakland won that game and was 5-2. The Raiders then proceeded to finish 3-6 and miss the postseason.

So if Tebow were to flop in 2012, it certainly would not be the worst of situations with Campbell under center.

Matt Flynn

Even though it was just one game, Green Bay's Matt Flynn proved he can be a reliable backup anywhere in the league.

The problem with acquiring him in Denver, however, is that Flynn won't be interested in playing second-fiddle to Tim Tebow. So, if the Broncos for any reason decide to pursue Flynn, they must not automatically have Tebow as the training camp starter.

The good news coming from this situation is that the competition would definitely make each player better. Flynn doesn't have the playing experience like Tebow, but put up the numbers (480 yards, six touchdowns) that have never been seen in Titletown.

Flynn is clearly the better pocket passer of the two, and worked with a better system suited for him in Green Bay. So, the adjustment to Denver's offense would be difficult simply because the offense isn't as explosive.

However, Denver also has a much more reliable ground game and defense than Green Bay, so Flynn would undoubtedly make an impact if given an opportunity. This would also be an interesting situation because the Broncos could line Tebow up as a wing tight end or slot receiver, with Flynn under center.

In short, the Denver offense would be something totally new to the league, and give them a distinct advantage.

Vince Young

Arguably a quarterback who's literally an exact replica of Tim Tebow's style of play, Vince Young would be an exciting addition to the Denver Broncos.

For one, he's more agile than Tebow and is a better scrambler, but isn't as strong in terms of breaking tackles. Now, Young is quite elusive and does have just a good of an arm, but is also more accurate.

If there's an available quarterback that fits the Broncos system geared towards Tebow's strengths, however, it's Young. Denver has just as reliable of a rushing attack as Philadelphia, and better developing receivers.

The offensive line can pass protect better, and the defense is almost as good across the board. So for Young, it's a similar situation, and although he'd be the backup coming in, the Broncos wouldn't lose a step with him under center.

When filling in for Michael Vick in 2011, Young threw for 866 yards and six touchdown, but also had eight picks in three games. He did, however, beat the New York Giants in his first start, so stepping in relief has increased his confidence.

Provided that the Broncos do consider Young, running a dual quarterback scrambling system would certainly be a new approach to attacking defenses. At the very least, Denver would have a backup quarterback who fits the offensive system.

John Rozum on Twitter.