Zach Wilson is content being the backup or even third player in Denver, especially now that he has learned he will be on the Broncos’ 53-man roster.
Jarrett Stidham, however, reacted quite differently when he learned that Bo Nix would be Denver’s starting quarterback in Week 1’s away game against the Seahawks on September 8.
“First of all, of course, I was very disappointed. I know I’m a starting quarterback in this league. I have no doubts about that. And it just didn’t go my way,” Stidham said Sunday after a 38-12 win over the Cardinals. “But I know what kind of player I am, what kind of person I am. Like I said, I’ll be ready if I have to. … I have no doubts that I’m a starting quarterback in this league.”
The Broncos had a three-man quarterback competition for the starting position this year, although Nix was always able to use his draft potential – 12th overall in this year’s class – to his advantage.
Wilson had an unsuccessful run with the Jets that resulted in him landing in Denver in a late-round draft trade, while Stidham only appeared in 16 NFL games and threw eight touchdown passes.
There was some speculation that the Broncos might start one of the veterans before signing the former Oregon star, but Denver head coach Sean Payton announced last week before his team’s third and final preseason game that Nix had won the contest.
Stidham, who started the final two games of last season after the Broncos benched Russell Wilson, was considered Nix’s biggest competitor for the position, according to The Denver Post, which may explain why the decision seemed to hurt him so much.
Wilson, on the other hand, seemed to see the writing on the wall.
“Yeah, I was happy for him. I mean, I don’t think it was too much of a surprise, right? I think he had a great training camp. I told him I was happy for him for this opportunity. I really think they’re giving him a good situation. I think Sean has done a phenomenal job,” Wilson said Sunday. “Bo has just gotten better and better. So I’m excited to see what he can do and I think he’s ready for it.”
The Broncos must now decide which quarterback will be Nix’s replacement, as Payton said Sunday he plans to have all three on the roster.
“We feel comfortable with those three quarterbacks,” Payton said, according to ESPN. “I think I’ve already told you that I believe all three of them can do it.”
Wilson played almost the entire game on Sunday, with Stidham having only the first possession.
The Super Bowl-winning coach had previously stated that Stidham could be a good resource for Nix as he adjusts to the NFL.
Wilson played well in his final audition, completing 16 of 25 passes for 255 yards and two touchdowns.
“We all want to play, we all want to be on the team,” Wilson said, according to ESPN. “We all want to do our best, but we all understand each other’s side, so we support each other. I want them all to do their best. … If I can be a help or assist (Nix) in any way … I will do that.”
