Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton is yet to name a starting quarterback, but it feels like a formality at this point.
Bo Nix is widely expected to be named the team’s starter, perhaps as early as this week. Assuming the Broncos only have room for two QBs on the 53-man roster, the question then becomes: Who will serve as Nix’s backup?
Jarrett Stidham has been in the NFL since 2019 and he’s entering his second year in Payton’s offense. Those are his pros — he’s a veteran mentor with good leadership skills and a season of experience with Payton.
Zach Wilson was the second overall pick in the 2021 NFL draft and while he’s considered a bust for not living up to his draft status, Wilson is three years younger than Stidham, yet he has 29 more career starts than Stidham.
Stidham is who he is at this point in his career. Wilson still has some career upside. Wilson is younger and cheaper, and Payton has praised him this summer.
If the Broncos release Stidham, the team would save $5 million in salary cap space. If Denver cuts Wilson, he would be subject to the NFL’s waiver wire and probably wouldn’t make it back to the practice squad.
Broncos Wire’s projection has Wilson on the 53-man roster over Stidham. Would that be the right move? Let us know your take by voting in our Twitter poll:
If the Broncos carry two QBs on the 53-man roster, who do you want to be QB2?
— Broncos Wire (@TheBroncosWire) August 20, 2024
