Stidham 'very disappointed' after losing Broncos' QB1 battle
Losing the competition for the Denver Broncos' starting quarterback job isn't sitting well with Jarrett Stidham.
Stidham - who was recently beat out by first-round rookie Bo Nix - said Sunday he's "very disappointed" not to be Denver's Week 1 starter, according to Zac Stevens of DNVR Broncos.
"I know I'm a starting quarterback in this league. I have no doubts about that," he added. "I'll be ready to go if I need to be. I have no doubts that I'm a starting-caliber quarterback."
Stidham joined the Broncos last year and started the final two games in 2023 after Sean Payton benched Russell Wilson. Stidham went through a similar situation in 2022, making two starts with the Las Vegas Raiders. The 28-year-old entered the NFL as a fourth-round pick of the New England Patriots in 2019.
Denver used its No. 12 pick on Nix and traded for Zach Wilson in April. The three QBs competed for the job at training camp, but Payton ultimately named the rookie his Week 1 starter after Denver's second preseason game.
Wilson - the 2021 No. 2 pick who's failed to live up to the hype - said he isn't surprised Nix claimed the No. 1 role.
"He's had a great camp," Wilson said. "I told him I'm excited for him for this opportunity. I really believe that they're putting him in a good situation. I think Sean has done a phenomenal job."
Payton said Sunday he sees all three QBs making the Broncos' initial 53-man roster Aug. 27.
Wilson played most of Denver's preseason finale against the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday, accounting for three touchdowns. Stidham attempted only four passes in the game, and the team opted to sit Nix. The Broncos kick off their 2024 season Sept. 8 versus the Seattle Seahawks.
Nix was the sixth QB off the board in the 2024 draft. The 24-year-old started 61 games in college and was a finalist for the Heisman Trophy in 2023.