Sean Payton, Denver Broncos
Getty
Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton watches warm ups before a game against the Arizona Cardinals.
The Denver Broncos’ quarterback room could be headed for a makeover this offseason, with the potential for a trade growing by the day.
Broncos starting quarterback Bo Nix is recovering from surgery to repair a broken bone in his ankle that he suffered during the AFC Divisional Playoffs against the Buffalo Bills. He is expected to be fully healthy by next season.
However, the Broncos’ backup plan might be different.
Potential Broncos Trade Emerging Before Offseason
Jarrett Stidham, Denver Broncos
GettyJarrett Stidham #8 of the Denver Broncos attends as The Snow League hosts Event Three of Season One in Aspen at Buttermilk Ski Resort.
This past season, the Broncos rostered Jarrett Stidham and Sam Ehlinger behind Nix, but the latter QB is a free agent. The former struggled during his first start of the season, which came in the playoffs. Despite that, Stidham is generating trade interest for the Broncos.
“As the QB market plays out, trade targets remain in play for several teams,” The Athletic’s Dianna Russini reported on X on March 4. “I’m told teams have reached out to the Broncos about backup Jarrett Stidham, whose lone start of the season came in the AFC Championship Game against the Patriots.”
9News’ Mike Klis noted that Stidham is “due to make $6.5M in 2026 with $2m guaranteed. Final year of his second deal with Broncos” in reaction to the rumor.
Stidham was a fourth-round pick, taken 133rd overall by the Patriots in 2019.
He has thrown for 1,422 yards, 8 touchdowns, and 8 interceptions and is 1-3 as a starter in his career. Stidham has been with the Broncos for the past three seasons, signing in free agency after a stint with the Las Vegas Raiders.
The Broncos would need to replace the highly valued Stidham if they trade him, and Ehlinger could be an option to step into the QB2 role behind Nix.
AFC Rival Linked to Jarrett Stidham Trade
Jarrett Stidham, Denver Broncos
GettyJarrett Stidham #8 of the Denver Broncos reacts during a game against the San Francisco 49ers.
Stidham has already been linked to one potential trade destination that would reunite him with one of his former Broncos co-horts.
“A name to watch as one of the QBs the Jets could try to acquire this offseason is Broncos backup Jarrett Stidham,” uSTADIUM reported in a post on X on March 1, citing ESPN as their source. “Stidham is under contract in Denver and GM Darren Mougey is said to be a fan from his time in Denver.”
Additionally, Stidham could be a backup option for several teams.
He has ties to the Bills and the Baltimore Ravens, among others, where former Broncos assistants have found new homes. That could lead to a bidding war, which would be difficult for the Broncos to pass on as he enters the final season of his contract.
Broncos Could Replace Jarrett Stidham With Former Colts QB
Jarrett Stidham, Denver Broncos
GettyJarrett Stidham #8 of the Denver Broncos warms up before a game against the Houston Texans.
The Broncos will have options for how they would want to proceed if they decided to trade Stidham. Ehlinger, a sixth-round pick (218th overall) by the Indianapolis Colts, stands out after what head coach Sean Payton said about him last offseason.
“He’s extremely athletic. He’s comfortable throwing on the run. There’s a little moxy to him. Sometimes it can be a little big for guys. But with him, not at all. You feel like a guy that has played well before, and his confidence, and he carries himself that way. He’s very good off the pocket, very good off schedule. He’s strong. I like the player a lot,” Payton told reporters in August 2025
“There’s winning traits. There’s football IQ. You’re still evaluating the keys: arm strength, location. I like the foot athlete that he is and, yeah, his pedigree.”
A Stidham trade would seemingly bode well for Ehlinger’s return to the Broncos.