Broncos reporter speculates on Auburn football alum Jarrett Stidham's future in Denver

KOA Colorado's Benjamin Allbright believes the Denver Broncos will keep Jarrett Stidham and Zach Wilson on their roster after naming Bo Nix the starting quarterback for the 2024 season.

"I would be extremely surprised if the Broncos DIDN'T carry all 3 QBs this year," Allbright wrote.

Back in June, Stidham had actually taken the lead in the Broncos' QB battle. But Sean Payton demanded that Nix earn the starting role, and throughout the preseason, he did just that. Against the Indianapolis Colts in Denver's opener, Nix completed 15 of 21 passes for 125 yards and a touchdown. He went 8/9 against the Green Bay Packers and added another touchdown on August 18.

Nix was undeniable in Payton's eyes after that.

Stidham was 7/11 with an interception against the Packers. He struggled against the Colts with four completions in seven attempts and a pick. Wilson outplayed him in Indy with 10/13 passing and 117 passing yards but went just 2/6 against Green Bay.

Jarrett Stidham hasn't played his way into any NFL starting role

Stidham had a chance to make himself a starter somewhere else this preseason but hasn't taken the ball and run with it. Metaphorically. He does have nine rushing yards scrambling from the pocket.

In Denver, it's clear Nix is the guy under center. Stidham had as good of a lead for the QB1 role as he's ever going to have in the NFL, but couldn't get the job done and keep the No. 12 overall 2024 NFL draft pick at bay.

Being Nix's long-term backup isn't the worst play. Nix's physical run style makes him a perennial injury risk. But for a former fourth-round pick with an NFL-worthy arm, Stidham should aspire to more.

And he still might before it's all said and done. But for 2024, it looks like he'll be a backup. And that'll be the case as long as he sticks in the Mile High City.