After years of searching, the Broncos finally have their man under center.
Bo Nix wasn’t the most highly touted passer in the 2024 NFL Draft, but he’s the only one who has reached the postseason in each of his first two seasons. Nix might not have the upside of Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels, or Drake Maye, but he has proven to be as steady as they come, posting eerily similar numbers in his sophomore campaign to those he recorded as a rookie.
That hasn’t been a problem for Sean Payton’s team, which rode Nix’s performances — and a stout defense — to the AFC’s No. 1 seed.
Nix will hold the reins in Denver as long as he can maintain these strong displays. But what lies behind him on the Broncos’ QB depth chart? Here’s what you need to know.
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Who is the Broncos' backup quarterback?
Taking the seat behind Nix is Jarrett Stidham. The sixth-year hurler has been a fixture on Denver's sideline since 2023. He started two games during the 2023 season, taking Russell Wilson's place under center after Sean Payton deemed him surplus to requirements.
Nix was immediately thrust into the starting lineup upon his arrival in Denver in 2024. Stidham took his place on the bench without any complaints, relishing his role as Nix's mentor.
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“No, it's been great -- Bo Nix and I obviously have an incredible relationship," Stidham said in Aug. 2025, per Broncos Wire. "I mean, he's one of my closest friends and being able to be with him and help him out as much as I possibly can, that's what I'm here to do.
Stidham has played sparingly over the past two seasons, fielding just 18 snaps while failing to attempt a pass. Nevertheless, he remains a pivotal figure in the Broncos' locker room.
"He’s a veteran. Really a smart guy," offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi said, per Sports Illustrated. "We’re in those meeting rooms a lot with them, but they spend a lot of time on their own watching film. Having that veteran presence to guide the younger guys through it, they know what to look for. They have habits that they can teach the young guys. So I think that’s been invaluable."
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In the event that he does see some action, Stidham does have some traits that could prove beneficial for Denver in the short-term. He throws a tight spiral and has decent mobility for his size. His limitations are clear; Stidham can struggle against blitz packages, posting a career 8.8% sack rate. Nevertheless, he figures to be a solid enough option under center if Nix were to miss some time.
Broncos QB depth chart
| Rank | Name |
| 1. | Bo Nix |
| 2. | Jarrett Stidham |
| 3. | Sam Ehlinger |
Nix has enjoyed plenty of success since arriving in Denver, helming the Broncos' offense to two playoff berths and a No. 1 seed in 2025. Barring an unprecedented collapse, he'll be the Broncos' QB1 for the foreseeable future.
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At 29 years old, Stidham is an ideal No. 2. He signed a two-year, $12 million extension with Denver during the 2025 offseason, a sign that Payton and his staff are pleased with his contributions.
Rounding out the list of orange-clad quarterbacks in the Mile High City is Sam Ehlinger. The former Texas standout briefly served as the Colts’ starter in 2022, taking over the offense as Matt Ryan limped through his final season. Ehlinger hasn’t attempted a pass since 2023 but was promoted back to the active roster on Jan. 5.