The Denver Broncos' quarterback competition is taking shape as training camp progresses, narrowing down what initially started as a three-way race. The stakes are high, and while no definitive starter has been named, patterns are emerging that might hint at the coaching staff's current leanings.
Jarrett Stidham and rookie Bo Nix appear to have the upper hand, while Zach Wilson, the offseason acquisition from the New York Jets, finds himself potentially on the fringe. During Tuesday’s practice, Stidham was seen taking reps with the first-team offense—a notable development given it was supposed to be Wilson’s turn in the rotation. Stidham's familiarity with Sean Payton’s offensive system seems to be earning him trust, a critical factor in this ongoing battle.
Experience vs. Potential
Both Stidham and Nix are making strong cases for their candidacy. Stidham, who has experience within Denver's offensive scheme, is demonstrating a level of readiness that might be giving him the edge. On Monday, it was Nix’s chance to work with the first-team offense, showcasing the skillset that made him a first-round draft pick. Despite his rookie status, Nix's performances are making a strong impression during training camp.
Wilson, now 24, faces an uphill battle to reclaim his status as a starting quarterback. After a rocky stint with the Jets—where he managed a 12-21 record over three seasons—his recent 4-7 performance following Aaron Rodgers' season-ending Achilles injury did little to boost confidence. While Wilson is considered the most athletic of the trio, he's yet to translate that athleticism into consistent, high-level play.
Coaching Decisions
Sean Payton has remained largely non-committal regarding his decision for the starting quarterback, only saying, "We'll see," when pressed about his thoughts. This approach allows all three quarterbacks to showcase their skills without prematurely tipping the coaching staff's hand.
Payton’s strategy has kept the competition genuinely open. Each quarterback has had or will have their chance to lead the first-team offense in practice, allowing the coaching staff to evaluate them under similar conditions. Upcoming preseason games will serve as a critical proving ground, offering a more definitive look at how each potential starter handles game situations.
The Road Ahead
The final decision on the starting quarterback is one of the many crucial choices the Broncos must make as they inch closer to finalizing their roster. The performances of Stidham, Nix, and Wilson during training camp and preseason games will be heavily scrutinized, with every snap potentially swaying the coaching staff’s final decision.
For Wilson, the stakes are particularly high. Acquired to potentially bring stability to the Broncos' quarterback situation, his performance so far suggests that he still has significant ground to cover. As a former first-round pick with athletic prowess, his career seemed promising yet inconsistent showings have placed him in this precarious position.
On the other hand, Stidham’s steady grasp of the offensive system and Nix’s raw talent and potential create a compelling narrative. Both bring qualities to the table that could suit the Broncos’ needs, depending on what the coaching staff prioritizes: immediate familiarity and reliability with Stidham or the exciting potential with Nix.
As the training camp continues and preseason games loom, all eyes will be on the Broncos' quarterbacks. Each throw, each decision, and each huddle will be crucial as the clock ticks down to the start of the regular season. While Payton’s "We'll see" approach keeps fans and analysts alike speculating, it ensures that when the decision is finally made, it will be based on a comprehensive assessment of what each quarterback can bring to the field.