Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton is "excited" about the return of quarterback Jarrett Stidham, who re-signed with the club on a two-year contract at the onset of NFL free agency earlier this month.
Speaking at the league meetings in Florida on Monday, Payton explained why retaining the veteran backup was among the first items on his offseason to-do list.
"He brings a veteran presence, but also a young presence about him," Payton told reporters. "I know how he feels about his own abilities. We had a great room a year ago. You guys know that. It was probably unrealistic to think that we were going to have both [Dolphins QB] Zach [Wilson] and Jarrett back. So I want to see those guys obviously have success. They’re both talented players, and I think that process… I think the experience from Jarrett is helpful to [QB] Bo [Nix].”
Stidham played out his initial Broncos contract, appearing in six games while making two starts since 2023. Save for a few garbage-time appearances, he spent the entirety of last season serving as a mentor to then-rookie Bo Nix, often breaking down tape at Nix's home and imparting his experience.
"He’s a veteran. Really a smart guy," offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi said of Stidham last December. "We’re in those meeting rooms a lot with them, but they spend a lot of time on their own watching film. Having that veteran presence to guide the younger guys through it, they know what to look for. They have habits that they can teach the young guys. So I think that’s been invaluable."
The Broncos entered the March signing period with both Stidham and QB3 Zach Wilson unrestricted free agents. They ultimately chose to bring back the former, who inked a $12 million deal including $6.99 million guaranteed. Wilson, meanwhile, landed a one-year commitment from the Miami Dolphins.
Payton's remarks came minutes before it was reported that Denver signed ex-Indianapolis Colts and Texas Longhorns QB Sam Ehlinger. Ehlinger is tentatively expected to compete with Stidham for the No. 2 gig behind Nix — a battle the coach's favorite should win.
Broncos sign former Colts starting QB to 1-year contract
The Broncos added to their quarterback room.
The Denver Broncos had a nice year last season, and they're looking to build on to that success, with Bo Nix entering his second season in the league. To add to their quarterback room, the Broncos recently signed a former Indianapolis Colts signal-caller to the team, according to NFL insider Jordan Schultz.
“Sources: The Broncos are signing former Colts QB Sam Ehlinger to a 1-year deal. He had multiple offers but chose Denver, seeing the best fit with HC Sean Payton and QBs coach Davis Webb, joining a room with Bo Nix and Jarrett Stidham,” Schultz wrote on X, formerly Twitter.
Ehlinger had been with the Colts for the past three seasons after they drafted him in the sixth round in 2021. He only started for the team three times throughout his tenure, and they were all during the 2022 season. Ehlinger has thrown for 573 yards, three touchdowns, and three interceptions.
With the Colts signing Daniel Jones, it makes sense why they didn't feel the need to bring back Ehlinger, and it seems as if there will be a true quarterback battle between him and Anthony Richardson.
For the Broncos, Ehlinger comes into a nice situation where he could learn from Sean Payton, who has always been good with quarterbacks throughout his time as a head coach. If you see what he was able to accomplish with Nix in his rookie season, then there should be no doubt he can develop quarterbacks.
Jarrett Stidham is also a backup on the team, and he and Ehlinger will most likely battle for the QB2 spot when training camp approaches.
This wasn't a big free agent move for the Broncos, but it's obvious that they wanted to add depth to the team and some help behind Nix as he's set to improve in his sophomore season.
