Sean Payton‘s second Broncos quarterback room options an fascinating make-up, because the group has its 2023 backup (Jarrett Stidham) and a commerce acquisition (Zach Wilson) becoming a member of this 12 months’s sixth QB chosen ( Bo Nix).
Whereas the sixth QB taken in a draft typically stretches into Spherical 2 or Spherical 3, Nix was this 12 months’s twelfth general decide. The Oregon and Auburn product is more than likely going to be the Broncos’ starter sooner or later this season – maybe in Week 1 – however Stidham fared finest throughout Denver’s offseason program. Contemplating the group’s Russell Wilson backup performed in Payton’s system final 12 months, it’s not too shocking he regarded one of the best to begin the three-way competitors.
A state of affairs wherein Nix struggles throughout coaching camp would stand to see one of many veterans obtain the decision for Week 1, however whereas the five-year faculty QB’s improvement is the central Broncos storyline, the group’s choice on which veteran passer to retain can be a part of this competitors. No matter how Nix performs throughout camp, 9News’ Mike Klis notes the Broncos won’t go into the season with their first-rounder because the third-string quarterback.
Nix’s ground being QB2 pits Stidham and Wilson in opposition to one another. Up to now, Wilson is noticeably behind. The previous Jets franchise-QB hopeful exited minicamp with floor to cowl for the backup job. Though Wilson might have extra arm expertise than the opposite two passers in Denver’s competitors, his erratic New York keep undercuts this a part of his sport. Stidham most likely gives a better ground by comparability, although bridge possibility represents the best-case state of affairs for the sixth-year arm this season.
Nix having set the report for many begins by a Division I-FBS quarterback (61) and becoming a member of Jayden Daniels and Michael Penix Jr. in going into an age-24 season makes him an illogical third-stringer and Payton’s previous carrying two quarterbacks factors to the group’s upcoming roster name being a Stidham-or-Wilson choice. The Broncos will clearly focus their coaching camp round Nix reps as properly. Klis additionally seen Stidham because the group’s most constant QB in the course of the offseason program, although coaching camp and the preseason will clearly reveal extra concerning the passers’ 2024 capabilities.
Cash might be an element, with simply $1M of Stidham’s $4.49M base wage assured. Even so, the Broncos – due to an settlement with the Jets to separate Wilson’s 2024 pay – will most likely not base this choice solely round funds. It could price the group solely $2.76M if Wilson is the odd man out, whereas a Stidham minimize would price $2M. Although, the Broncos would save $5M by releasing Stidham. Wilson would additionally have to move by means of waivers if minimize, whereas Stidham is a vested veteran.
The Broncos haven’t given the keys to a rookie quarterback since John Elway 41 years in the past. Drew Lock started the 2019 season on IR, whereas Trevor Siemian beat out Paxton Lynch for the 2016 job. Lynch was the group’s high backup to begin that season, nevertheless, with commerce acquisition Mark Sanchez being launched earlier than Week 1. Tim Tebow and Jay Cutler didn’t begin video games till late of their rookie seasons. Tebow started his rookie season as a third-stringer – behind Kyle Orton and Brady Quinn – however Nix shouldn’t be seen because the type of uncooked prospect the favored left-hander was 14 years in the past.
Nix would characterize a course change, however the Broncos actually want one given how their passers have fared since Peyton Manning‘s retirement.
