The Denver Broncos, who are both firmly rooted behind rookie starter Bo Nix, have had a blissfully quiet few weeks in terms of trade speculations involving backup quarterbacks Zach Wilson and Jarrett Stidham.
Anticipate a resurgence of trade rumors as teams take definite stances as buyers and sellers as the NFL trade deadline approaches on November 5. However, the Broncos may decide that either quarterback is more valuable in terms of regaining a future selection pick.
Regarding trade offers for Stidham and Wilson, ESPN’s Seth Walder believes the Broncos should consider any and all options.
On October 23, Walder stated, “Stidham has been QB2 on game days this season because he lost the training camp competition with Nix.” However, Wilson’s arm strength and athletic prowess, which he frequently shown during camp and preseason games, continue to pique the interest of the Broncos. We could move one of those passers. The Broncos need draft money and would consider any and all offers because of their extremely tight pay limit for this season and the following one (caused by their choice to cut Russell Wilson earlier this year).
The Broncos will lose the chance to obtain return capital for both quarterbacks if they don’t make a move by the trade deadline. In the final season of a two-year, $10 million contract he signed in March 2023, Stidham joined the Broncos as a free agent.
Wilson, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2021 NFL draft, was obtained from the New York Jets in April 2024 in exchange for a 2024 sixth round pick. In addition, Wilson’s four-year, $35.1 million contract expires after this season, and the Broncos received a 2024 seventh-round pick in the trade.
Wilson Could Play for the Broncos for a Long Time
Wilson seemed like he was on his way out of the NFL after 3 rocky seasons with the Jets but seems to have reclaimed his career during his time with the Broncos despite being the team’s third quarterback the entire season.
That’s also because Wilson’s work ethic and demeanor haven’t been questioned while he’s been in Denver, whereas the Jets had this problem. His preseason performance suggested that he could be a reliable backup.
Wilson was one of the league’s most popular trade targets through the first month of the NFL regular season but it’s died down some since.
Stidham Might Be Starter For Desperate Team
Stidham might have value to a team that needs a starter for the last part of the 2024 regular season and is out of playoff contention — a group that might include the Carolina Panthers, New Orleans Saints or Cleveland Browns.
Stidham has a 1-3 record as a starter over his first 6 NFL seasons, going 0-2 with the Las Vegas Raiders in 2022 and 1-1 as the Broncos’ starter to close out 2023.
He also might be valuable to a team that’s a contender or in the hunt for a playoff berth as its top backup — a group that might include the Chicago Bears or Miami Dolphins.
Tony Adame covers the NFL for Heavy.com, with a focus on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Washington Commanders and Denver Broncos. A veteran sports writer and editor since 2004, his work has been featured at Stadium Talk, Yardbarker, NW Florida Daily News and Pensacola News Journal. More about Tony Adame
GET MORE NEWS HERE
Be the first to comment