DEAL CONFIRMED: Denver Broncos GM Reveals Broncos Have 99.9% Completed The Signing of $13 Million Former Raiders QB in Free Agency

Sean Payton, the Broncos’ head coach, has stated that the backup quarterback position is a top concern, but there has been little information beyond that.

Nick Kosmider of The Athletic expects Stidham to return in 2025.

“Wilson, in particular, is expected to attract interest on the free agent market as a player who may challenge for a starting spot in training camp. He is only 25 years old, but he has five years of NFL experience, including the previous season when he worked behind the scenes as Denver’s third-string quarterback,” Kosmider said on March 3. “Wilson and Stidham both intend to look for a position that will allow them to contend for a starting role, which will not be possible in Denver.

“My prediction for how it all unfolds: The Broncos bring back Stidham on a one- or two-year deal and add a developmental prospect on Day 3 of the draft or in college free agency.”
Stidham appeared in three games in 2024, all of which were mop-up duties.

He was drafted in the fourth round by the New England Patriots in 2019 and signed a two-year, $10 million contract with the Denver Broncos in 2022. He also spent time with the Las Vegas Raiders.

Stidham started two games to cap the 2023 season. Stidham’s free agency value is projected by Spotrac to be $2.6 million for one year. Over The Cap estimates that the Broncos will have $41.5 million to spend. Stidham’s modest projections and the Broncos’ cap room may make the decision easier.

Returning to the Broncos makes sense for Jarrett Stidham or Zach Wilson, but not both.

Mike Klis of 9News made the argument for Stidham and Wilson, the New York Jets’ No. 2 overall choice in 2021, to return. However, he doubted that both players would return.

“Stidham has gotten to the point in his career where he understands how to be a backup. He has now spent two years in head coach Sean Payton’s system. “The Broncos could do worse than bring him back for a third season,” Klis wrote on March 3.

“As for Wilson, just because he wants a greater chance to play does not guarantee he will get it. A second year under Payton’s offensive system, even if it means a second year of patience, might benefit all sides. I doubt the Broncos would bring both back, but either would make sense.”

The Broncos acquired Wilson in a trade with the Jets prior to the 2024 draft.

He is entering free agency after completing a four-year, $35.1 million contract. This provides him with more financial security than his Broncos teammate, Stidham, who has earned $13.4 million in his career.

Sean Payton: Broncos ‘Must Secure’ Backup. The Broncos and quarterback Payton went through a thorough selection process before choosing Nix. The youngster is not at risk of losing his starting role.

“Zach and Jarrett are free agents. “Obviously, one of the’musts,'” Payton told reporters on February 25. “If a player is on our board, even if he was with us, and if he’s a free agent – both of which appear as orange tags – that’s a’must’. We need to determine who the backup is. There are presumably some moving elements there.

Wilson’s contract is expected to be for $3.3 million over one year, according to Spotrac. It’s a small difference compared to Stidham, but it could indicate Wilson has a higher chance of recovering than previously thought.