Getty
DENVER, COLORADO - JANUARY 17: Bo Nix #10, Jarrett Stidham #8 and Sam Ehlinger #4 of the Denver Broncos take the field prior to the AFC Divisional Playoff game against the Buffalo Bills at Empower Field At Mile High on January 17, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
The Denver Broncos have made their first quarterback decision as the NFL prepares for the start of free agency.
According to NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport, the Broncos have agreed to a one-year deal with quarterback Sam Ehlinger that will keep him in Denver for the 2026 season. Rapoport reported Sunday night that the contract is worth $2 million.
“The Broncos have extended QB Sam Ehlinger,” Rapoport wrote on social media. “Giving him a one-year, $2M deal.”
The move keeps the Broncos quarterback room intact heading into free agency. Ehlinger spent the 2025 season as the team’s No. 3 quarterback behind starter Bo Nix and veteran backup Jarrett Stidham. With all three players now under contract, Denver appears comfortable bringing the same quarterback group into the early stages of the offseason.
Broncos Keep Quarterback Room Together
Ehlinger’s return is notable because of how the quarterback room functioned last season under head coach Sean Payton. The Broncos coaching staff consistently praised the chemistry between Nix, Stidham and Ehlinger as the offense developed throughout the year.
Ehlinger originally joined Denver during the 2025 offseason after spending the first portion of his career with the Indianapolis Colts. While he did not see game action last season, he remained a key part of the quarterback room as a practice squad member and depth option behind Nix and Stidham.
Zac Stevens
Broncos have the same QB room as last year after signing Sam Ehlinger to 1-year, $2M deal:
Bo Nix Jarrett Stidham Sam Ehlinger
There were also opportunities for Ehlinger to leave Denver last season.
At one point, he reportedly had the chance to return to Indianapolis for a starting spot on the roster following injuries to Daniel Jones and Anthony Richardson.
Instead, he chose to remain with the Broncos. The decision demonstrated his confidence in the coaching staff and the long-term development plan in Denver.
That loyalty appears to have paid off with Sunday night’s agreement.
Broncos’ Stability Around Bo Nix Entering Offseason
By re-signing Ehlinger, the Broncos enter free agency with the exact same quarterback structure they had during the 2025 season.
Nix remains firmly in place as the franchise starter after an impressive second season, while Stidham continues to serve as the primary backup.
There has been some speculation around Stidham this offseason, with reports indicating that other teams have explored the possibility of trading for the veteran quarterback. Even with that interest, Denver has not shown any urgency to break up the room that Payton and the coaching staff believe worked well.
Keeping the group together also provides stability as Nix continues to develop under new offensive coordinator Davis Webb.
*]:pointer-events-auto scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" data-turn-id="request-WEB:1d8d7265-ffcd-4258-b7cd-105bf9faabcd-3" data-testid="conversation-turn-8" data-scroll-anchor="true" data-turn="assistant">
Ehlinger has been praised as a strong locker room presence and an important mentor for Nix. The two have also developed a close friendship off the field.
With free agency set to begin Monday, the Broncos appear comfortable focusing their resources on improving other areas of the roster while maintaining continuity at quarterback heading into 2026.