The Denver Broncos nearly squeezed out a victory in the AFC Championship Game against the eventual Super Bowl LX losers, the New England Patriots, with backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham filling in admirably for Bo Nix.
Stidham isn't getting his due, though. Some think that the former Auburn Tigers QB1 no longer deserves to be Nix's understudy in the Mile High City. Specifically, ClutchPoints' Bailey Bassett believes that the Stephenville, Texas, native has overstayed his welcome.
Bassett urged the Broncos to trade Stidham and his large salary, but relatively low dead money cost, this offseason, even after admitting that Stidham outgunned Patriots MVP candidate Drake Maye in the AFC title game and performed admirably given the circumstances.
"Jarrett Stidham has Sean Payton’s trust. He was always viewed as one of the best backup quarterbacks in the NFL before he was thrust into a starting role in the Broncos most important game in a decade, too. Unfortunately, Stidham didn’t play hero. He couldn’t get the offense going for most of the game, and he made some very questionable and costly decisions," Bassett wrote.
"...it left a sour taste in the mouths of Broncos fans that may prevent the team from ever trusting him again. Stidham is set to make $8 million next season, but the dead money on his contract is just $3.5 million. The Broncos may decide to move on and get a new backup quarterback to work behind Nix. Doing so would free up a little chunk of change for the Broncos to spend in free agency."
Jarrett Stidham could make sense for Colts, Raiders, and Steelers
Several teams could use a high-end backup quarterback during the 2026 season who can step in and start in a pinch.
The Indianapolis Colts may need to ease Daniel Jones back into the mix after his Achilles tear. He's expected to be back by the start of the season, but there's no guarantee he won't need some maintenance if he can get back in time.
The Las Vegas Raiders are expected to take Heisman winner and champion Indiana Hoosiers QB Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick. A veteran who can spot start until Mendoza is fully ready would be a good investment. Stidham has worn a Raider uniform before, though he hasn't played in Andrew Janocko or Klint Kubiak. Stidham just missed Kubiak, who left the Broncos before Stidham arrived in 2023.
If Aaron Rodgers returns, the Pittsburgh Steelers may need an insurance policy not named Will Howard. Even if he doesn't, the Steelers will need QB depth. Stidham has a better chance to start in Pittsburgh than he ever would in Denver.
We'll see if the Broncos stick with Stidham or stick him in a trade to spend the 2026 season elsewhere.