Broncos' Joseph: Lynch can learn from Keenum in backup role

When the Denver Broncos selected Paxton Lynch No. 26 overall in the 2016 draft, they envisioned the former Memphis quarterback as their leader for years to come.

General manager John Elway surely didn't picture Lynch competing for a backup role entering his third season. But here we are.

The Broncos signed Case Keenum to a two-year contract in March, entrenching the former Minnesota Viking as the team's 2018 starting signal-caller.

But Denver has not given up on the 2016 first-rounder. Elway did not select a quarterback in the 2017 draft, and head coach Vance Joseph believes Lynch will benefit from a defined role.

"I think for Paxton and our football team it’s been a weight off all of our backs to have a starting quarterback and have everyone's role defined from Day 1," Joseph told reporters Saturday, via Gina Mizell of the Denver Post. "So for Paxton, he can relax and get better each day and not worry about a competition."

Joseph also sees Keenum as the perfect mentor for Lynch, who is entering a make-or-break season.

"I think for Paxton being around Case also - I mean, Case has been through some ups and downs in his career, so he can learn from Case on how to handle those things," he said. "With Case being here, (Lynch) can sit back and relax and get better as a quarterback and not worry about being the guy right now and just compete to be our backup."

Lynch has battled injuries and inconsistencies during the early part of his NFL career. In four starts, the 6-foot-7 passer has thrown four touchdowns against four interceptions, while completing 61.7 percent of his passes.