Getty
Jarrett Stidham #8 of the Denver Broncos attend as The Snow League hosts Event Three of Season One in Aspen at Buttermilk Ski Resort.
The Denver Broncos worked to get themselves out of the form of purgatory that comes with not having a solidified quarterback position, emerging from the 2024 draft with Bo Nix. However, the Broncos’ QB room is now drawing trade interest.
Moreover, the team almost certainly has to consider its options.
The Broncos won double-digit games for the second straight season. They have plenty to address, and flipping a QB could help them address another roster spot.
Broncos’ QB Drawing Trade Interest From Fitting Rival
GettyJarrett Stidham #8 of the Denver Broncos on the field after losing to the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship Game.
The Broncos might not rush to trade Stidham, given their situation at QB with Nix recovering from injury. But they have a potential replacement, and Stidham could have suitors.
“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.”
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported on teams like the Broncos exploring backup QB trades.
“Teams that have better-known backups entering the final years of their contracts … are seeing if there’s interest and whether they can get trade value out of this offseason’s odd QB market,” Fowler wrote on March 1.
Mougey spent 13 seasons with the Broncos, the last three as assistant general manager under GM George Paton, before joining the Jets’ front office in 2025. So, the connection was clear.
Mougey was in the front office when the Broncos signed Stidham during free agency in 2023.
Mougey’s fandom is indeed a swing factor. Stidham, 29, was the 133rd overall pick in 2019 by the New England Patriots. He has also played for the Las Vegas Raiders. Stidham has thrown for 1,422 yards, 8 touchdowns, and 8 interceptions during his career, and he is 1-3 as a starter.
Stidham is entering the final year of a two-year, $12 million contract. He has earned $19.1 million in his career.
What the Broncos could receive for Stidham is unclear.
Broncos Trade Pitch Dishes Jarrett Stidham to AFC Rival
GettyJarrett Stidham #8 of the Denver Broncos warms up before a game against the Houston Texans.
This Heavy Sports Broncos trade proposal would send Stidham to the Jets this offseason. A return that includes running back Breece Hall would fit the Broncos’ needs, as well as align with the player’s interests.
However, the Broncos might be more likely to recoup some draft capital in exchange for their QB2. He lacks a path to the starting job he has already been passed over for.
Broncos get:
Jets get:
The Broncos could view any return for Stidham as not worth the uncertainty of not having him.
He started for them in the AFC Championship Game after Nix broke a bone in his ankle during the Divisional Round. Stidham struggled, completing 54.8% of his passes with a 133-1-1 line and a loss.
For the Broncos, the familiarity of having Stidham must be weighed against the reality of his performance when considering trades and whatever else comes next for their roster.
Broncos Have Replacement Option
GettySam Ehlinger #4 of the Denver Broncos on the field after facing the Arizona Cardinals.
Stidham has grown close with Nix during their time together, and that relationship has included the Broncos’ QB3 over the past two seasons. It was Zach Wilson in 2024. Wilson signed with the Miami Dolphins for the 2025 season.
The Broncos replaced him with former Indianapolis Colts draft pick Sam Ehlinger.
Ehlinger is a free agent. But the Broncos could re-sign him to replace Stidham behind Nix if they opt to trade Stidham. They otherwise risk losing the veteran in free agency next offseason.
Josh Buckhalter covers the NBA and NFL for Heavy.com. He has covered both leagues since 2016, including bylines at FanSided, Last Word on Sports and Clocker Sports. He’s based in Villa Park, Illinois. Follow Josh on Twitter and Instagram: @JoshGBuck More about Josh Buckhalter
More Heavy on Broncos
Loading more stories