Broncos 2nd-Round QB Drew Lock Could Hold Out

Update:

The Broncos have since signed second-round OL Dalton Risner to a four-year contract. 

According to KUSA’s Mike Klis, the Broncos could be looking at a holdout from their two second-round picks, QB Drew Lock and OL Dalton Risner.

Because draft picks cannot exceed the total amount slotted to them, the Athletic’s Nicki Jhabvala says the negotiations are centered around the amount of guaranteed money Lock and Risner are set to receive. 

Klis say multiple sources tell him Lock’s agent is seeking a “quarterback premium” which isn’t uncommon for high-round quarterbacks. 

That would result in more money in Lock’s contract than Risner’s, who was taken one pick ahead of Lock at No. 41. Risner’s agent is seeking to have more money in his client’s contract than Lock. 

According to the NFL’s slot system, Risner is scheduled to get a four-year contract worth just over $7.1 million with a signing bonus of $3.214 million. Lock would receive a four-year deal worth about $7 million with a $3.119 million bonus.

Lock, 22, was the No. 42 overall pick by the Broncos out of Missouri. He slid to the second round after largely being expected to be a first-round pick. There was even talk of him possibly a top-10 selection. 

Denver traded up with the Bengals to select him and exchanged their No. 52, No. 125 and No. 182 overall picks. 

Lance Zierlein compares him to Lions QB Matthew Stafford. 

During his four-year college career at Missouri, Lock threw for 12,193 yards, 99 touchdowns and 39 interceptions.  He also added 437 yards rushing and nine touchdowns.

Risner, 23, was the No. 41 overall pick by the Broncos out of Kansas State. He was named the 2018 Big 12 offensive lineman of the year, received first-team All-Big 12 honors, and was a Campbell Trophy, Wuerffel Trophy and Lombardi Trophy finalist. 

Lance Zierlein compares him to Bears C Cody Whitehair.

During his college career at Kansas State, Risner was a four-year starter and appeared in 50 games for the Wildcats.