As the Denver Broncos continue their quarterback competition, veteran Jarrett Stidham and rookie Bo Nix seem to be the two contenders.
Stidham only has four career starts on his resume, but he’s been in the NFL since 2019 and he now has a full year of experience in coach Sean Payton’s offense. That experience has seemingly given Stidham an early advantage in the quarterback battle.
Last week, Nix was asked during his media availability if he would be able to accept being a backup for a year if that’s the role given to him.
“Well I don’t know if I have a choice on that one, if I accept it or not,” Nix said. “If I want to stick around, I better accept it, but I also don’t necessarily want to become complacent. It’s my rookie year. I’m OK with sitting back, and hanging out and learning. I have full confidence and trust in these coaches and this team. They’ll play me when I’m ready, and I’m going to do my best to get ready.
“That’s all I can do, but I also think you owe it and respect the other guys who are in the competition. They also want to be the starter too, and they also are going to have to accept what happens. So it’s not an easy thing, but at the same time we’re all mature and we’ve all been here, done that before. Whatever they decide, it’s what we’re going with. We’re all just giving it our best right now.”
The Broncos will go on the road to face the Seattle Seahawks in Week 1 (Sept. 8) and it looks like one of Stidham or Nix will be under center. As a first-round pick, Nix is viewed as the long-term QB in Denver, but that doesn’t guarantee he’ll be the Week 1 starter. Whatever role the team gives him as a rookie, Nix will accept it. Eventually, he’ll play, and he knows it.
[vertical-gallery id=620142]