The Denver Broncos may have a plan to shake up their quarterback room at the 2026 NFL draft this weekend, with the franchise having potential eyes on a late-round developmental arm for Sean Payton to keep around.
The Athletic's Nick Kosmider insinuated that using that late-round pick on a QB could result in one of the team's remaining backups behind Bo Nix, Jarrett Stidham or Sam Ehlinger, finding his way off the roster.
"Ehlinger had opportunities with other teams both last year and during this offseason that may have offered a more clear-cut path to a backup role, but he chose to sign a one-year deal to remain in Denver, where he has formed a close bond with Stidham, Bo Nix, offensive coordinator Davis Webb and quarterbacks coach Logan Kilgore. He will have a shot to show how much he has benefited from a year in the system during the offseason program. Keep in mind, though, that Stidham had an excellent 2025 offseason and shone in the preseason. If there was indeed an unannounced competition for the No. 2 job last year, Stidham won it going away, and that’s why the Broncos expressed genuine optimism in Stidham when he replaced Nix as the starter in the AFC title game," Kosmider wrote.
"The Broncos always do their homework on late-round QB prospects because Payton believes there is value in always having developmental options on the roster. But it should also be noted that Payton hasn’t typically operated with four quarterbacks during offseason work. After trading for Zach Wilson before the 2024 draft and then selecting Nix with the No. 12 pick, the Broncos released Ben DiNucci. Payton said at the time that it was too difficult to fit in reps for four quarterbacks and Denver already had Stidham in the room. So, yes, there is a fair bit of intrigue for the Broncos at the quarterback position as the draft approaches, even with QB1 on rock-solid ground."
Jarrett Stidham may be the odd man out in Denver if Broncos draft a QB
Being that he's on an expiring contract, and could be a starter in the right situation, Stidham might be the odd man out if the Broncos bring on a QB. The Arizona Cardinals could be a potential starting situation as Jacoby Brissett continues to hold the franchise. Even with the No. 3 pick, and the potential to select former Alabama Crimson Tide QB Ty Simpson, a veteran would likely step in this year as QB1 in Phoenix. Stidham could be an intriguing option if the team becomes fed up with Brissett's power play.
As for teams that could use Stidham as a backup, the Los Angeles Rams and Green Bay Packers loom as landing spots. There should be a market for a Stidham deal if Denver decides to add a fourth QB over the next few days.
Stidham has plenty of NFL career left, but after falling short in the AFC Championship against the New England Patriots while filling in for Nix, it may be best spent outside the Mile High City.
Add us as a preferred source on Google