Denver Broncos quarterback Brock Osweiler has agreed in principle to a deal with the Houston Texans, the NFL Network is reporting.
Osweiler was drafted by the Broncos in the second round, 57th overall, of the 2012 NFL Draft.
He served as Peyton Manning's backup during his four years with Denver.
When Manning was injured during the 2015 season, Osweiler started seven games. He set a 5-2 record before being pulled in the final game of the season against the San Diego Chargers.
Osweiler's rookie contract ended this season and he became a free agent on Wednesday.
Osweiler was named one of the NFLPA’s Community MVPs in 2014 for his work with Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children.
Why the Texans?
ESPN is reporting it was about the guaranteed money.
One of the "significant differences" in offers between #Texans and #Broncos for Brock Osweiler was Houston guaranteed $37 million
— Ed Werder (@Edwerderespn) March 9, 2016
Osweiler's teammates surprised
Some of the Broncos tweeted their reactions after the news of Osweiler's new deal.
Shocked I thought Brock wanted to play with us lol
— Chris Harris (@ChrisHarrisJr) March 9, 2016
Vance Walker retweeted Chris Harris Jr.'s comment and added, "For real tho lol"
Omar Bolden understood it was a business decision.
"Y'all know good and damn well if you at 1 company and another company offer y'all more at the same position y'all gone!" Bolden wrote on Twitter.
Dang this free agency stuff gets real
— Shane Ray (@X_RAYted56) March 9, 2016
Broncos' future quarterback?
With Manning's retirement and Osweiler leaving, the Broncos have one quarterback still on the staff -- Trevor Siemian. He was drafted by the Broncos in the seventh round, 250th overall, in last year's NFL Draft.
As for other options? Adam Schefter is reporting that Robert Lee Griffin III is a possibility.
With Brock Osweiler off to Houston, RGIII is on Broncos' list of replacement quarterbacks, per source. Could be visiting Denver.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 9, 2016
Ian Rapoport is suggesting RGIII and someone else.
Two players on the radar of the #Broncos now that Brock Osweiler is gone: RGIII and Colin Kaepernick.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 9, 2016
The Denver Post's Broncos beat reporter Troy Renck is also mentioning Kaepernick.
#Broncos reached $16 million per year on Brock.. But weren't going to overpay.. Next move? Will likely look into Colin Kaepernick
— Troy Renck (@TroyRenck) March 9, 2016
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