After benching quarterback Russell Wilson, the Denver Broncos turned their offense over to Jarrett Stidham for the final two games of the 2023 season.
Stidham didn’t look any better than Wilson, but he is cheaper. The Broncos are expected to release Wilson in March. Stidham’s future is less certain.
Stidham is scheduled to have a $7 million salary cap hit in 2024. It’s possible that Denver might opt to go into next season with Stidham and a rookie (the Broncos hold the 12th overall pick in the draft).
Alternatively, Denver could release Stidham and save $5 million in cap space. With that saved cap space, the Broncos might be able to afford a bargain free agent QB this spring such as Jameis Winston or Gardner Minshew.
It will come down to how much faith coach Sean Payton has in Stidham. After signing him last spring, Payton saw Stidham in training camp and practice all season leading up to the QB’s two starts in 2023. If the coach isn’t confident in Stidham going forward, the Broncos might be able to find an upgrade in free agency this spring.
Keeping in mind that Denver could pair a veteran with a rookie this offseason, here’s a quick look at the ten most notable QBs set to become free agents in March.
10
Kirk Cousins
Despite being 35 and coming off a serious Achilles injury, Cousins will likely draw another big contract in free agency. He doesn’t seem to be a realistic option for the Broncos.
9
Baker Mayfield
Mayfield, 28, just led the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to a division title this season, so the Bucs will probably bring him back in 2024.
8
Ryan Tannehill
Tannehill is 36 and seemingly past his prime, so he’s probably not a top option for Denver.
7
Drew Lock
No way he comes back to Denver, right?
6
Marcus Mariota
He has experience mentoring rookie QBs. He’s not the best option, but he’s an option.
5
Sam Darnold
He has 56 career starts under his belt, which counts for something.
4
Tyrod Taylor
Taylor is 28-28-1 as a starter in his career and he’s mentored rookie QBs in the past.
3
Jacoby Brissett
Brissett has 48 starts on his resume and he looked good in limited action for the Washington Commanders this season.
2
Gardner Minshew
Minshew went 7-6 filling in for an injured Anthony Richardson this season and the Indianapolis Colts barely missed the playoffs. His cap hit was $3.5 million in 2023.
1
Jameis Winston
Broncos fans wouldn’t like Winston’s reckless playing style (he threw 30 interceptions in his last season as a full-time starter), but it’s worth noting that he went 5-2 as a starter under Payton in 2021. Winston’s cap hit was just north of $4.5 million last year. Switching from Stidham to a QB that has won with Payton in the past might make sense for Denver, especially if the team can save cap space in the process.
