The Denver Gazette examines each Broncos position group before the start of training camp later this month. First up: Quarterbacks.
Projected starter
—Bo Nix
Projected backups
—Jarrett Stidham
—Sam Ehlinger
Elephant in the room: Will Nix avoid sophomore slump?
Nix enters Year 2 in the NFL as the Broncos’ proven leader.
The No. 12 overall pick in the 2024 draft led Denver back to the postseason for the first time since 2015. Nix became the first rookie quarterback in league history to post multiple games with at least 300 passing yards, four passing touchdowns and a passer rating above 140. He also had seven games with multiple passing touchdowns and no interceptions.
However, based on recent NFL history, some quarterbacks regress in their second season as full-time starters. Opposing defenses now have a full season of Nix film to dissect. It won’t be easy for him to replicate or surpass his rookie numbers.
Nix has the benefit of continuity. The Broncos lead the NFL this season with the highest percentage of returning players at 86%. The entire starting offensive line returns. Three of his top wide receiver targets are back. Denver also filled roster gaps in free agency with tight end Evan Engram and running back J.K. Dobbins.
It appears Nix has all the tools to succeed in 2025.
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Biggest competition: Stidham vs. Ehlinger
The likely No. 2 option behind Nix is returning quarterback Jarrett Stidham.
In March, he signed a two-year, $12 million contract extension with $7 million guaranteed. Stidham, a sixth-year pro, enters his third season as the Broncos’ backup quarterback. Stidham’s career numbers: 117-of-197 passing for 1,422 yards with eight touchdowns and eight interceptions.
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Just don’t be surprised if Ehlinger challenges for the backup role in training camp.
Ehlinger spent the last four seasons with the Colts. He appeared in eight games (three starts) with 573 passing yards, three touchdowns and three interceptions. His agent, Erik Burkhardt, told The Denver Gazette that Ehlinger turned down other offers to play for coach Sean Payton.
The Broncos carried three quarterbacks on the 53-man roster a year ago. Third-stringer Zach Wilson signed with the Miami Dolphins in free agency. It’s also possible the Broncos will only have two quarterbacks on the roster in 2025.
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Bottom line
Finally, after years of quarterback inconsistency, the Broncos found their answer. There is no quarterback controversy heading into training camp. Nix is that guy.
But great success creates great expectations. The Broncos won 10 games last season. Anything short of that in 2025 might be considered a regression. No player on the roster shoulders that weight more than Nix.
2024 NFL draft first-round quarterbacks
No. 1 overall — Caleb Williams, Bears: 3,541 yards, 20 touchdowns, 6 interceptions
No. 2 — Jayden Daniels, Commanders, 3,569 yards, 25 touchdowns, 9 interceptions
No. 3 — Drake Maye, Patriots: 2,276 yards, 15 touchdowns, 19 interceptions
No. 8 — Michael Penix, Falcons: 775 yards, 3 touchdowns, 3 interceptions
No. 10 — J.J. McCarthy, Vikings: Did not play (injury)
No. 12 — Bo Nix, Broncos: 3,775 yards, 29 touchdowns, 12 interceptions