Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton is yet to make a decision as to who will be under centre come Week 1 next season.
After Russell Wilson's exit, there is no clear successor but the varied experience of their quarterbacks gives Payton some wiggle room to decide later.
First in line is Bo Nix, the Oregon rookie snapped up 12th in the 2024 NFL Draft. Also in the QB room is Zach Wilson, embarking on his fourth NFL year after being picked second by the New York Jets, but in desperate need of a fresh start after an ill-fated spell with Gang Green.
The veteran of the trio, Jarrett Stidham, at 27, has a mere four NFL starts from his stints with the New England Patriots, Las Vegas Raiders, and the Broncos.
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With OTAs, summer camp, and preseason clashes ahead, all three have a shot at staking their claim, as with no clear frontrunner amy of the trio could find themselves starting the season. When quizzed about his quarterbacks, Payton quipped on Friday, "It's kind of the orphan group," adding, "They're all orphaned dogs. They've come from somewhere, but they're doing good. It's a good room."
Denver has been in a rut since Peyton Manning hung up his cleats in 2015, which coincidentally was their last appearance in the playoffs.
Nix is the first quarterback they've picked in the first round of the draft since Paxton Lynch in 2016, whose NFL career fizzled out after a mere four starts and not a single win.
Bo Nix was selected 12th overall and could become the Broncos franchise starter. (2024 Getty Images)Nix seems to be garnering more confidence, particularly as his Oregon teammate Troy Franklin was also drafted by Denver as an additional wide receiver option. Stidham, who stepped in for Russell Wilson towards the end of the previous season, will be eager for his chance, while Zach Wilson has joined with aspirations of clinching the top spot.
"They come from different systems," Payton remarked on his quarterbacks. "One is coming from college. One is coming from two or three NFL systems, and the other is coming from one system. They're all in a race to learn this system. I would say -- you guys watched the practice -- they're doing well."
Payton has remained tight-lipped about who is currently in the lead, and it's possible that even the head coach doesn't know at this point. Their draft activity hints at Nix, Wilson's trade from New York suggests it could be him, and their decision to keep Stidham also gives him a fair shot.
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