Photo by Gene Gallin
What’s happening in Denver? The Broncos have been making some big moves. First, they traded Russell Wilson to Pittsburgh. Then, they brought in Zach Wilson from New York and drafted Bo Nix from Oregon. Meanwhile, Jarrett Stidham is still there, watching it all unfold.
For Stidham, Russell Wilson leaving should have meant a fresh start as the main quarterback.
Just a few months ago, he was sure he could lead the Broncos to victory next season. Now, he’s got to compete with two new quarterbacks for that chance. It’s a tough spot for him, being the veteran but still having to prove himself.
Jarrett Stidham isn’t new to this kind of competition. “I’ve dealt with this before when I was in New England when we drafted Mac Jones,” he said last week. “It’s a business, I totally understand it, but at the same time, I’m here to compete. I’m not just going to sit down and let someone else walk on in here– I’m going to work my butt off to get the job. I’m super excited about it.”
In his five years in the NFL, Stidham has played in thirteen regular-season games and started twice. Zach Wilson, on the other hand, has thirty-three starts in three years with the Jets. Bo Nix, the rookie, had sixty-one starts in college, making him the most experienced rookie of the 2024 NFL draft. Stidham has a lot to prove if he wants to beat out Wilson and Nix for the starting QB job.
The three quarterbacks will have OTAs and training camp in July to show what they’ve got. Coach Sean Payton has promised to give equal chances to Stidham, Nix, and Wilson. It’s not an ideal situation for anyone, but it’s bound to push them to their limits. The clock is ticking—who will rise to the occasion?
