As the Denver Broncos head into the 2024 NFL season, the quarterback position is under intense scrutiny. After several years of instability at the position, the Broncos are once again attempting to stabilize their future under center. This year, Denver’s strategy revolves around a mix of veteran presence, high-upside talent, and a promising rookie, each bringing different strengths to the table. The Broncos’ quarterback room consists of veteran Jarrett Stidham, former New York Jets starter Zach Wilson, and first-round draft pick Bo Nix, all vying for a chance to lead the team.

The Veteran: Jarrett Stidham

Jarrett Stidham enters the season as the most experienced quarterback in Denver’s camp, albeit with limited starting experience. After spending time with the New England Patriots and the Las Vegas Raiders, Stidham signed with the Broncos to provide a steady hand and potentially guide the younger quarterbacks. His familiarity with different offensive systems and ability to manage a game make him a valuable asset, especially as the Broncos navigate the early part of their season.

Stidham’s role as the veteran in the room is pivotal. He is expected to start the first four games of the season, giving the coaching staff a chance to evaluate the team’s overall performance while easing Bo Nix into the NFL. Stidham’s experience in making pre-snap reads, managing the clock, and avoiding costly turnovers will be crucial in these early games as the Broncos aim to remain competitive while allowing Nix time to develop. The Broncos hope Stidham can provide a calming presence and mentor Nix as the season progresses.

The Trade: Zach Wilson’s Second Chance

The Broncos’ acquisition of Zach Wilson from the New York Jets was one of the more intriguing moves of the offseason. The trade saw Denver send a sixth-round pick to the Jets in exchange for Wilson and a seventh-round pick, with New York agreeing to cover a portion of Wilson’s remaining salary. This trade was a low-risk, high-reward gamble for Denver, as Wilson was once seen as a franchise quarterback with a high ceiling, despite his struggles in New York.

Wilson’s time with the Jets was marked by inconsistency and a failure to meet the lofty expectations that come with being the second overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. He struggled with decision-making, accuracy, and adjusting to the speed of the NFL game. However, his natural arm talent, athleticism, and playmaking ability still make him an intriguing prospect.

In Denver, Wilson has the opportunity to reset his career. The Broncos plan to have him serve as the third-string quarterback for the 2024 season, effectively giving him a redshirt year. This strategy allows Wilson to learn and develop under head coach Sean Payton without the pressure of immediate expectations. The hope is that with time, coaching, and a fresh start, Wilson can tap into the potential that made him a highly touted prospect coming out of BYU.

By the end of the season, the Broncos will reassess Wilson’s future. If Bo Nix does not look like a perennial starter, Wilson could emerge as a serious contender for the starting job in 2025. On the other hand, if Nix establishes himself as the franchise quarterback, Wilson could become an attractive trade asset, potentially giving Denver a return on their investment.

The Rookie: Bo Nix’s Ascendancy

The Broncos’ decision to draft Bo Nix in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft was a clear indication of their commitment to finding a long-term solution at quarterback. Nix, who had an outstanding collegiate career at Oregon, comes to Denver with high expectations. Known for his leadership, poise under pressure, and dual-threat ability, Nix brings a new dynamic to the Broncos’ offense.

Nix’s development is the centerpiece of Denver’s quarterback strategy. The plan is to ease him into the starting role by having him sit behind Stidham for the first four games of the season. This approach allows Nix to adjust to the speed of the NFL and gain a deeper understanding of Payton’s offense before being thrust into the spotlight. The Broncos are betting that by taking this measured approach, Nix will be better prepared to succeed when he eventually takes over as the starter.

Once Nix is given the reins, the Broncos will closely monitor his performance. The hope is that Nix will demonstrate the ability to be the franchise quarterback the team has long sought. His athleticism, combined with his ability to make plays both in and out of the pocket, gives Denver a versatile option that can help them compete in a tough AFC West division.

The Season Ahead: A Balancing Act

The Broncos’ 2024 quarterback situation is a delicate balancing act. The plan to start the season with Jarrett Stidham provides stability and experience while giving Bo Nix the time he needs to transition into the NFL. Zach Wilson’s presence as a third-string quarterback offers a safety net with upside, allowing the Broncos to evaluate their options as the season unfolds.

As the season progresses, Denver’s coaching staff will face the challenge of managing these different quarterbacks’ development while maintaining the team’s competitiveness. If Nix seizes the starting job and shows the potential to be a franchise quarterback, the Broncos’ future will look bright. However, if he struggles, Wilson’s presence as a talented backup with starting experience could provide an alternative path forward.

The key for Denver will be patience and flexibility. The 2024 season is as much about evaluating their long-term options as it is about immediate success. By the end of the year, the Broncos should have a clearer picture of their quarterback situation, whether it’s Nix solidifying himself as the starter, Wilson emerging as a viable option, or Stidham continuing to provide veteran leadership.

In the end, the Broncos’ quarterback situation in 2024 is a microcosm of the team’s broader strategy: building for the future while staying competitive in the present. With a blend of experience, youth, and potential, Denver is hoping to finally find stability at the most important position on the field.