Jarrett Stidham not ready to ‘sit down’ and let someone else take his job as Bo Nix and Zach Wilson eye becoming Broncos’ QB1
Stidham will face massive competition from Nix and Wilson for the starting quarterback role.
Denver Broncos quarterback Jarrett Stidham and Bo Nix at OTA (Image via IMAGO)
The post-Russell Wilson era of Sean Payton’s Denver Broncos won’t be as straightforward for Jarrett Stidham. Payton added Bo Nix and Zach Wilson to compete with the sixth-year veteran quarterback.
Payton emphasized that so far, all the quarterbacks have passed the eye test. Stidham being the oldest of trio and with more experience about the Broncos playbook has found it easy to pick up from last season.
However, the head coach also highlighted that Nix who has played over 60 games for Oregon in college football, is not lagging far behind. Bo Nix’s skillset matches with what they witnessed during the NFL Combine earlier this year.
Yet, the Broncos took the former Jets first-round Zach Wilson for added competition. Payton sounded highly impressed by how the BYU graduate has been able to adapt to his system in a short amount of time.
Judging by Payton’s words neither of the quarterbacks have an edge over the other for now.
We try to split up all the reps. There is going to be a time where you read into the reps. I don't think it's early in OTAs.Sean Payton said on Saturday
Will this put pressure on Jarrett Stidham and his aspirations of bagging the starter role? He claimed to be ready for the challenge.
"We try to get them as many reps as possible. We're rotating all of them right now."
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) May 23, 2024
HC Sean Payton details early stages of Broncos' QB competition » https://t.co/aVSJaCeQ3F pic.twitter.com/4Askg2cOdn
Jarrett Stidham isn’t fazed by the increased competition in the quarterback room
Stidham entered the NFL as a fourth-round pickup by the New England Patriots. He was another prospect to take over from Tom Brady, but a year later the Patriots drafted Mac Jones.
The 27-year-old did not even take a single snap and a year later he was traded to the Broncos. Stidham reminded everyone that this wasn’t his first rodeo of facing competition for the starting position.
I've dealt with this before when I was in New England [with Mac Jones]. It's a business and I totally understand it, but at the same time, I'm here to compete. I'm not going to just sit down and let someone else walk in here and [take the role]. I'm going to work my butt off to get the job.Jarrett Stidham said per Broncos official website
Jarrett Stidham in his reaction when Broncos drafted a QB in first round. #9sports pic.twitter.com/4DSfjnZPEB
— MikeKlis9NEWS (@mikeklis9news) May 23, 2024
Following Russell Wilson’s demotion to the bench, the Auburn graduate appeared in the final four games of the 2023 season starting two. He completed 40 passes for 496 yards 2 touchdowns and 1 interception.
2024 can prove to be a make-or-break year for Stidham. Both Nix and Wilson would demand some game time (Wilson more so).
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Ishan Misra
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