The Denver Broncos will be defending their Super Bowl title this upcoming NFL season without quarterbacks Peyton Manning and Brock Osweiler. Manning announced his retirement from professional football last March 7 while Osweiler found a new home with the Houston Texans.

General manager John Elway and the Broncos front office got to work as they acquired Mark Sanchez from the Philadelphia Eagles on March 11 for a 2017 conditional draft pick. The 29-year-old quarterback is ready to compete for the starting job with whoever Denver signs in free agency.

"Get in here and compete your butt off for a starting role. I'm battled-tested. I've been through the fire," Sanchez said. Despite making it to the AFC championship game with the New York Jets in 2009 and 2010, the USC product has not started for a lot of games since 2012.

Elway described the Sanchez trade as the "first step" in rebuilding the quarterback position of the Broncos. He is seen as a veteran who has six playoff starts in his name and leadership with some potential of improving his game.

Winning Is Everything

Heading into the offseason, the Eagles are planning to use Sanchez as the third quarterback with the team spending $59 million for starter Sam Bradford and backup Chase Daniel. Nevertheless, Sanchez is happy to play for the Broncos and sees it as an opportunity to win.

"I've seen a lot in this league, I'm not married, I don't have a girlfriend, I don't have kids, I just want to play ball. I want to win, I really want to win, and I'm so lucky to be in a spot like this. Every waking moment, that's what I'm thinking about, what an opportunity here," Sanchez said.

The 29-year-old's case to start for Denver will be helped by playing with two good wide receivers, Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders. Sanchez added that he has spent time with Thomas in the offseason while he is looking forward to playing with both players.

Who will Be Denver's 3rd Quarterback?

The defending champions have Sanchez and Trevor Siemian on the roster, but the latter has not played a single game in the NFL. It is very obvious that the Broncos will be in play for all the available playmakers in the market.

One choice is the San Francisco 49ers' Colin Kaepernick, who has been struggling over the past couple of seasons. He still possesses potential but Denver is reportedly not willing to give up a high draft pick for him.

Another quarterback available, this time via free agency is Ryan Fitzpatrick who had a great season for the Jets. However, his salary demands are too much for the Broncos.