Broncos News: Sean Payton Nowhere Close to Choosing Starting Quarterback

The Denver Broncos found themselves in a peculiar quarterback situation toward the end of the 2023 season. After the team traded a treasure trove of picks and players to the Seattle Seahawks for quarterback Russell Wilson in 2022, they benched the veteran quarterback for the final two games of the 2023 season.

Read more: Broncos News: Sean Payton Cooks Up Unfortunate Nickname for QB Room

Wilson was then cut by the Broncos, and signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers, who went on to also trade for former Bears quarterback Justin Fields.

With Wilson leaving to the Steelers, the Broncos quarterback room is a bit of a question mark. The team drafted Oregon’s Bo Nix with the No. 12 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, but it doesn’t appear that Payton is ready to name him the starter.

Payton spoke to reporters via a video call, stating that Nix, Jarrett Stidham, and newly acquired Zach Wilson are all getting first-team reps. When clarifying who could be the starter, Payton stated, “I would say I have an end date — that would be the week before the first game — but I don’t have a set date [to name the starter].”

He also indicated he does “have a gut [feeling],” about who might be leading the pack in terms of being the starter, but he was not prepared to report on who that is. Both Stidham and Wilson have experience, but Nix might still find his way to become the starter.

Nix did impress at Oregon’s Pro Day, and he could beat out Stidham and Wilson, but Payton won’t be quick to hand him the reins. Still, Nix could run away with the QB1 role should he continue to showcase his skillset in training camp and preseason.

Finding a starting quarterback does take time, and Payton is also ensuring that he isn’t too quick to pick the starter. “I think most importantly is [making sure it’s] the right decision,” he added.”

After what occurred with Wilson, it would make sense for Payton to have a bit of a concern about who gets to start for the team. However, the list of quarterbacks the team currently has leaves a bit to be desired.

The Broncos might still have to sign a proven veteran, as the current roster of quarterbacks is a bit concerning. One such player could be former Dolphins and Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill. Payton is certainly not a foolish coach, and all avenues are likely to be explored before a starting quarterback is announced in the coming months.