Assuming the Denver Broncos are going to move on from Russell Wilson this offseason, the team will need a new starting quarterback in 2024.
Right now, Jarrett Stidham and Ben DiNucci are both under contract. It’s possible that Denver could also cut Stidham this spring, but today we’re going to explore several options that include keeping Stidham.
The first option would be to roll with Stidham in 2024, something Peter King thinks is a real possibility. A second option would be to sign a veteran free agent to compete with Stidham this summer.
A third option would be to draft a quarterback (perhaps 12th overall) to compete with Stidham. A fourth option would be to trade for a veteran (which doesn’t seem likely) and a fifth option would be to sign a veteran and draft a rookie.
So, what’s the best option for the Broncos in 2024? Let’s take a look at the five scenarios.
1
Roll with Jarrett Stidham in 2024
This is a relatively affordable option for the Broncos. Stidham is set to have a salary cap hit of $7 million in 2024 and if things go poorly, Denver would have a high pick to use on a QB in the 2025 NFL draft. It’s not the most exciting or intriguing option for the Broncos, but it’s one to consider.
2
Sign a vet to compete and kick draft down the road
The Broncos could bring in a veteran this offseason to compete with Stidham. The list of upcoming free agent QBs includes Jameis Winston (who went 5-2 with the Saints under Sean Payton), Gardner Minshew (who nearly qualified for the playoffs with the Colts in 2023), Jacoby Brissett, Tyrod Taylor and Sam Darnold. Those QBs might not excite fans in Denver, but it’s worth noting that Baker Mayfield was not an exciting name this past offseason, either, and he’s now playing in the Divisional Round of the NFL playoffs. If the Broncos do bring in a vet to compete with Stidham, the team could draft another position of need at No. 12 or perhaps trade down to acquire more picks, pushing off drafting a QB until 2025.
3
Draft a rookie to compete with Jarrett Stidham
Alternatively, the Broncos could forego the free agent market and have Stidham serve as their vet in 2024 and draft a rookie to compete for the starting job. None of Caleb Williams, Drake Maye or Jayden Daniels are expected to fall to No. 12, but at least one of Bo Nix, Michael Penix Jr. or J.J. McCarthy could be available when the Broncos go on the clock in April. If Payton falls in love with a QB in this year’s class, Denver should go all-in on that prospect, even if it means trading up to make it happen.
4
Trade for a vet to compete
Instead of signing a veteran, the Broncos could trade for one this spring, giving Stidham competition. The Chicago Bears hold the No. 1 overall pick in the draft so they seem likely to listen to offers for Justin Fields. And if the Arizona Cardinals land a QB at No. 4 overall, they will likely part ways with Kyler Murray. Denver seems unlikely to take on a project like Trey Lance from the Dallas Cowboys, but Payton might have interest in Las Vegas Raiders QB Jimmy Garoppolo. Jimmy G is currently under contract through 2025 so it would take a trade to acquire him. If the Raiders eventually cut Garoppolo, the Broncos would be a team to watch.
5
Add a vet and draft a rookie
This would create a crowded QB room, but the Broncos could sign (or acquire) a veteran this spring and still draft a QB, perhaps sometime after the first round. Such a scenario could see Denver sign a vet like Winston to compete with Stidham, then draft a high-upside QB in the middle rounds such as Michael Pratt, Spencer Rattler, Joe Milton or Jordan Travis.
For this exercise, we assumed the Broncos will keep Stidham on the roster in 2024. In the coming days, we’ll explore other QB options that involve Denver hypothetically parting with Stidham this spring.
