Broncos’ Jarrett Stidham drops provocative message on QB1 despite arrivals of Bo Nix and Zach Wilson

While the Denver Broncos moved on from Russell Wilson, quarterback Bo Nix was the team’s first-round selection in the 2024 NFL Draft. But just because the Broncos have a bright new signing doesn’t mean he’ll automatically be guaranteed the starting spot.

Especially if Jarrett Stidham has anything to say about it. Entering his second season in Denver, Stidham looks to maintain the starting role he earned at the start of the 2023 season. Even if that means beating out Nix in training camp, via team reporter Aric DiLalla.

“I dealt with this problem before when I was in New England with Mac Jones,” Stidham said. “It’s a business and I completely understand that, but at the same time, I’m here to compete. I’m not just going to sit back and let someone else come in here and just (take the role). I will work hard to get the job. I’m super excited about this.

Stidham went 1-1 in his two straight games as a starter. He threw for 496 yards, two touchdowns to interceptions. The quarterback was sacked seven times in his second start, perhaps deflecting some of the blame for the season-ending 27-14 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders.

But Stidham now enters 2024 rejuvenated and ready to prove himself. In the second year of Sean Payton’s tenure, the head coach now has experience with Stidham. The QB hopes his starting status will give him a leg up in QB1.

But he will face fierce competition.

Jarrett Stidham enters fierce Broncos QB battle

Many called the Broncos’ No. 12 overall selection of Bo Nix a major reach. However, JJ McCarthy – the fourth QB selected – came off the board just two picks early. Needing a quarterback in mind, Denver invested its future in Nix.

Since drafting him, Payton has done nothing but over-hype Nix. He said he loved him as much as Patrick Mahomes did when the Kansas City Chiefs star was entering the NFL. Still, Payton isn’t just going to hand him the QB1 role. At the start of voluntary OTAs, Nix, Stidham and Zach Wilson were all parting ways, via Jeff Legwold of ESPN.

“We’re trying to divide all the representatives,” Payton said. “There will be a time when you will read in the reps. I don’t think this is the start of OTAs. It’s a bit like the orphan group, they’re all orphan dogs. They come from somewhere, but they are fine. It’s a good piece.

Still, Nix will have plenty of time to steal the QB1 role in training camp. The Broncos were surely impressed with his work at the college level, as he totaled 15,352 yards, 113 yards and 26 touchdowns. In his fifth season overall and second with Oregon, Nix won Pac-12 Player of the Year after throwing for 4,508 yards, 45 touchdowns and three interceptions.

Taking him at 12th overall, Denver really wants Bo Nix to be the team’s quarterback of the future. But in the short term, Jarrett Stidham hopes his veteran superiority will carry the day. With a record of just 1-3 as a starter, Stidham totaled 1,422 yards, eight touchdowns and eight interceptions during his four-year NFL career.

The only thing certain in Denver is that a different QB will be under center in Week 1. While many expect it to be Nix, Stidham still wants to prove he deserves an opportunity.