With rumors circulating that Seattle is fielding offers for one-time starting QB Tarvaris Jackson, it certainly appears that the team is keeping Jackson on ice in order to avoid an injury that could damage his market value. I am very much hoping that Jackson can end up in a good situation. He's a quality back-up/spot starter who can help a good team in a pinch.

Last night's performance by Denver's second unit suggests that the Broncos, if they have legitimate Super Bowl aspirations, could seriously stand to upgrade their backup QB situation. Rookie Brock Osweiler, at the risk of reading too much into a single pre-season performance with the other backups, does not look ready to play in the NFL. His skills and awareness appear to need major work, and frankly even those of us who are Osweiler fans should not be surprised by this. I love the kid's upside, but everyone would be best served if he does not see meaningful snaps in 2012-13. The Broncos also signed former Bears backup Caleb Hanie in May to a two-year deal. Hanie was an unmitigated disaster for the Bears after Cutler went down. No QB Manning's age (36) should be expected to play 16 healthy games, regardless of prior injury history. Having Caleb Hanie as the primary backup should strike fear into the heart of any Broncos fan.

At this point Jackson is likely one of the best--perhaps the best--backup QB options likely to hit the market. If there is an NFL team out there that should strongly consider taking on his contract and giving up a late round pick it is Denver. Let's be clear, he is a substantial upgrade over Caleb Hanie. At the same time, if Denver is planning just to wait out cut downs I doubt Denver would be the most attractive situation for Jackson in the event of his release. I would imagine he'd try to find a situation with a starter who is not entrenched (e.g., Arizona).