The Denver Broncos went into NFL free agency wanting to get a quality backup quarterback with upside. They found one in 26-year-old veteran Jarrett Stidham.
Stidham, a former fourth-round pick, is set to serve as Russell Wilson’s backup this season, but Broncos coach Sean Payton believes Stidham could one day become a starter in the NFL.
“I think he’s a No. 2 whose arrow is moving in a direction where we feel like he can become an NFL starter in our league,” Payton said at the NFL owners’ meetings last week. “The evaluation was pretty crystal clear for all of us. I think he’s someone that’s going to be great in the room. He’s smart. Quietly, that was an important sign for us.”
Stidham has started just two games in his three-year career, both of them with the Las Vegas Raiders last season. He had a big game against the San Francisco 49ers last fall, completing 67.65% of his passes for 365 yards with three touchdowns against two interceptions.
“I think there’s upside in this player,” Payton said. “So here we are. We have a young player. I think there’s certain players we saw in free agency — can they come in and play and start? Yes. I think you get that with Jarrett, but I also think you get a player who is still ascending.
“If you watch the 49ers’ game — have you seen that game? That’s impressive against a good defense. He was a priority for us — quietly. Fortunately, it worked out where we were able to get him.”
Denver signed Stidham to a two-year, $10 million contract early in free agency. The Broncos are going into 2023 with Wilson as their QB1, but Stidham’s long-term upside will be worth monitoring under Payton.
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