Jarrett Stidham would be the Denver Broncos starting quarterback in 2024 if the season started today. Amid the ongoing debate over the Broncos’ quarterback plans, head coach Sean Payton made it very clear that a blockbuster move to upgrade at signal-caller this offseason is very possible.
After releasing Russell Wilson, Denver scoured the free-agent market for veteran quarterbacks who could challenge Stidha for the starting job in training camp. However, each of the quarterbacks the team person including Sam Darnold, chose to go elsewhere.
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It’s left the Broncos with very few options on the open market. Carson Wentz is available, but the quarterback’s strengths and weaknesses likely aren’t a fit in Payton’s system. Beyond Wentz, Ryan Tannehill, Glaine Gabbert and Brian Hoyer are the other top free-agent quarterbacks available.
As a result, the next best path to adding significant competition for Stidham in the quarterback room is the 2024 NFL Draft. Following weeks of speculation that Denver could move up to get one of the top signal-callers, Payton confirmed the possibility on Monday.
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Speaking to reporters at the NFL Owners Meetings, Payton said it was “realistic” for the Broncos to be considered as a potential trade-up team in the 2024 NFL Draft. Interestingly, he specifically mentioned the position Arizona Cardinals general manager Monti Ossenfort is in right now with the fourth overall pick.
“It’s good to be Monti (Ossenfort) right now.”
Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton on possibly trading up in the 2024 NFL Draft
Realistically, Denver likely doesn’t have the assets to beat the Minnesota Vikings in a bidding war for a top-five pick to land J.J. McCarthy. As a result, the Broncos’ choices become either taking Bo Nix or Michael Penix Jr. in the first round or waiting to address the position until Day 2.
While the Broncos’ front office has likely explored trade-up scenarios, the number of glaring needs on the roster and the lack of a suitable infrastructure to support a first-round starting quarterback suggests patience will be the approach. If that proves to be the case, Nix is the name to watch on Day 2 for Denver.
