We’re now deep into NFL free agency, where there aren’t many top quarterback options remaining for a team like the Denver Broncos to sign. The trade market has seen the likes of Kenny Pickett, Justin Fields, and several others change teams, seemingly providing GM George Paton with more than enough alternatives to rolling with Jarrett Stidham in 2024. Yet, the Broncos have opted to stand pat, for now.
Sure, the Broncos could always go out and sign someone like former Pro Bowl QB Ryan Tannehill or take a chance on Carson Wentz re-living his glory days, but neither option is a long-term solution. This pretty much leaves the 2024 NFL Draft as the final opportunity for the Broncos to find a new starter, aside from turning to the trade market, as other teams have.
But with the Broncos selecting 12th, behind another QB-needy team in the Minnesota Vikings, they may not have the ammo to land the prospect Denver covets most. This means the Broncos may not have a choice but to head into the season with Stidham plugged in as the starter.
It’s a frightening situation, but it’s one Broncos insider Mike Klis recently highlighted as the most likely scenario for 2024 as Denver heads into a rebuilding year.
“The Broncos seem to be leaning toward giving Stidham the edge as the No. 1 quarterback and also using their No. 12 overall draft pick to take their quarterback for the future.”
Denver Broncos insider Mike Klis on team’s QB plans
Sticking at No. 12 could leave the Broncos on the outside looking in when it comes to selecting a prospect such as Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy, who could become a top-ten pick if another team, such as the Vikings or Raiders execute a trade up. If all of Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, Jayden Daniels, and McCarthy are gone, what would the Broncos do at 12? Draft someone like Oregon’s Bo Nix or Washington’s Michael Penix Jr.?
We’re just over a month away from finding out, but as of now, all signs point to Stidham entering a competition with a rookie. We just don’t know who yet. Sportsnaut’s latest NFL mock draft does feature an interesting QB getting selected in the teens of the first round, and maybe this is something we’ll see Denver do on draft day too.
