Dirk Nowitzki plans to return to the Mavericks for one more season by Brad Washington

The Denver Broncos signed Case Keenum to an expensive two-year deal, but they maintain that Paxton Lynch still has a chance to shine in 2018.

Let’s be very clear right off the jump. The Broncos have absolutely put a huge wrench in any notion that Paxton Lynch is going to see significant time in orange and blue, signing Case Keenum to a lucrative contract through the duration of Lynch’s rookie contract.

However, the Broncos are maintaining that Lynch could still end up being the franchise quarterback they envisioned when the team selected him in the 2016 first round. Per the Denver Post, head coach Vance Joseph is throwing his support behind the embattled youngster, stating that Lynch is still a key part of the team despite Keenum and whoever Denver ends up drafting, even if its another first-round quarterback at fifth overall.

This offseason, general manager John Elway allowed Brock Osweiler to leave for the Miami Dolphins in free agency and then traded former starter Trevor Siemian to the Minnesota Vikings. While Keenum is going to be the starter barring injury, Lynch currently slots into the backup role, at least keeping any dim hopes alive that he’ll see the field and dazzle.

All that said, Lynch sees his contract run through the 2019 season before a fifth-year option has to kick in. At this juncture, it’s impossible to believe that Elway would be picking that up, considering both the cost and the lousy play of Lynch so far.

Through two seasons, Lynch has started in four games and has a grand total of 792 yards with four touchdowns and four interceptions.