Jarrett Stidham, a former standout from Auburn, faces competition for the starting quarterback position with the Denver Broncos in the upcoming 2024 season. Surprisingly, this competition doesn’t stem from the NFL Draft.
Reports from NFL Network and the New York Post indicate that the Broncos are trading their 203rd pick in the 2024 NFL Draft to the New York Jets in exchange for quarterback Zach Wilson and the 256th pick in this year’s draft. Wilson, who was drafted by the Jets as the second overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, has started 33 games over three seasons, securing 12 victories. Despite being replaced by Aaron Rodgers last season due to an injury, Wilson managed to make 11 starts in 2023, sharing playing time with Tim Boyle and Trevor Siemian.
Wilson’s performance in 2023 included completing 221-of-368 passes for 2,271 yards, with eight touchdowns and seven interceptions, along with 211 rushing yards on 36 carries. However, among quarterbacks with at least 900 passes over the past three seasons, Wilson’s career passing-efficiency rating of 73.2 is the lowest, with Justin Fields closely trailing at 82.3.
The Broncos had previously released Russell Wilson on March 7, who had started 30 games for Denver over the past two seasons. Jarrett Stidham, meanwhile, had stepped in for the final two games of the 2024 season, leading to uncertainty about Wilson’s contract status.
As the NFL Draft approaches, speculation mounts about the Broncos potentially trading up to secure a quarterback, holding the 12th pick in the first round.
Denver’s head coach, Sean Payton, expressed confidence in Stidham’s ability to compete for the starting position, stating that while he’s the frontrunner, other candidates will also vie for the role. Payton emphasized that the team is still in the market for quarterbacks and may consider adding a veteran player or selecting one in the draft.
Stidham, known for his successful collegiate career at Auburn, entered the NFL in 2019 with the New England Patriots. He showcased promise during his preseason performances and served as Tom Brady’s backup during Brady’s final season with the Patriots. Despite setbacks due to injuries and changes in team dynamics, Stidham has continued to pursue opportunities in the league, most recently with the Las Vegas Raiders.
In his NFL career thus far, Stidham has accumulated modest statistics, completing 117-of-197 passes for 1,422 yards with eight touchdowns and eight interceptions in 16 games, including four starts.
