The Denver Broncos seemed to solidify the quarterback position by trading for Carolina Panthers quarterback Teddy Bridgewater on Wednesday afternoon.

However, the Bridgewater acquisition might not preclude Denver from selecting a quarterback in the first round of Thursday's NFL draft.

Adam Schefter of ESPN reported the trade “does not take Denver out of the QB market.”

This is turning into quite the fascinating situation.

The Broncos have the No. 9 pick in the draft. General manager George Paton has said the team remains high on incumbent starter Drew Lock.

However, Paton also stated the desire to create some competition under center. He also said Denver has options in terms of trading back or even moving up the draft board, if it so chooses.

So, what next?

It is possible the Broncos will stand pat at No. 9 and hope one of the top quarterbacks on their draft board falls to them at that pick. Perhaps the likes of Justin Fields or whichever guy (Mac Jones or Trey Lance) the San Francisco 49ers pass on with the third overall selection.

Then again, Denver could still decide to trade back if the guy of their liking is no longer on the board. The Bridgewater trade gives them that kind of flexibility.

One team in particular might have interest in doing business with the Broncos: the New England Patriots.

The Pats have reportedly had conversations about moving into the top 10. New England might be even more intent on moving up if the Bridgewater deal indicates the Panthers could now take a quarterback at No. 8.

Regardless, this is shaping up to be a fascinating draft.