Evans: Can lightning strike twice for the Broncos at quarterback?

The answer to the question of what the Denver Broncos should do at the quarterback position this offseason needs to wait until another question is asked. That is, what are the Broncos’ expectations for next season?

Does this organization believe it’s “Super Bowl or bust,” that it feels this team is still in a championship window? Or does it believe the time is now to develop the next great Broncos quarterback and next great Broncos team?

Let’s start with the second question. If general manager John Elway and crew feel like winning a Super Bowl has given them a grace period to prepare to fall back in order to develop Trevor Siemian or, especially, Paxton Lynch, then I can totally understand that.

All one has to do is look at the AFC for the last decade and a half and see how it has been dominated by Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, and Ben Roethlisberger. If that doesn’t speak to the importance of finding the right guy at the most pivotal of all positions in sports, I don’t know what does.

But if Elway and company feel — as they should — that this is a defense that is built to win now and it would be a waste to squander it with a developmental approach to the quarterback position, then the Broncos have to go out and find a proven veteran under center.

I understand Elway isn’t going to be entirely truthful if behind closed doors he’s telling people it’s about the future. The Broncos, to their credit, have created high expectations with fans and media, which really is “Super Bowl or bust.” I commend them for that.

But this will be a case of “don’t listen to what they say; watch what they do.” If they make a play for a veteran quarterback, then they’re in the Super Bowl winning business. If they go with the kids, then it is about the future.

I am all about winning now. This defense is legit, and they deserve every opportunity to win. But they can’t do that with the young quarterbacks. Not in this conference where Brady and Big Ben aren’t going anywhere.

While we watched Manning’s skills diminish, there is no doubt now how much his mind and presence still mattered. The offensive line will not magically be transformed just with new coaches and not with a draft and free agent class expected to be one of the weakest for offensive linemen ever.

If this offense is going to improve enough to win a Super Bowl, it needs a veteran hand at quarterback. Philip Rivers sounds fun, and as someone who has been a fan of his for years — much to the displeasure of a lot of Broncos fans who are suddenly coming around to my side — I would be the first to meet him at the airport and drive him to Dove Valley.

But this is a pipe dream. It would be crazy for the Los Angeles Chargers to deal their most marketable player as they get set to move to a city that is all about star power. And to a division rival no less.

No, what makes sense, even if it is a gamble, is to make a play for Tony Romo. The Dallas Cowboys have to trade him or even possibly release him. As much as Jerry Jones loves Romo like a son, even “Jerrah” knows he has his quarterback in Dak Prescott.

Romo has to go, and Denver is the perfect place for him. Sure, his injury history gives you pause. But while you’re freaking about the possibility of Romo getting hurt, you’re somehow confident Siemian or Lynch would hold up for 16 games?

No way.

If Romo stays healthy — again, it’s a gamble, I know — then you are instantly looking at a guy who makes the Broncos a legit Super Bowl contender.

This is someone who has thrown 248 career touchdowns to only 85 picks. In his last four healthy years — all in his 30s — he tossed 124 touchdowns. This guy can play.

Of course, his playoff record isn’t great. But I remember people grousing about Peyton Manning’s postseason record when he came here. He is smart and will make the offensive line look better than it really is — again, a lot like Manning.

To me, the course is clear. Tell your fans you’re in the Super Bowl winning business and go get Romo.

Otherwise, come clean and tell them it’s not about now; it’s about tomorrow.

Follow @MikeEvans1043