**Broncos Face Key Decision at Backup Quarterback as Stidham and Wilson Enter Final Year of Contracts**
As the Denver Broncos prepare for the 2024 NFL season, one of the most pressing decisions looming for the team is the future of their backup quarterback position. With both Jarrett Stidham and Brett Rypien entering the final year of their contracts, the Broncos find themselves at a crossroads. Their choices could have significant implications for the depth chart behind starting quarterback Russell Wilson.
Jarrett Stidham, who joined the Broncos in 2023 after spending time with the Las Vegas Raiders, was seen as a potential long-term backup option. He was brought in to provide experienced depth behind Wilson, with the hope that his familiarity with head coach Sean Payton’s system would enable him to step in if needed. However, despite flashes of potential, Stidham’s limited playing time last season left many questions about his readiness to take over if Wilson were sidelined for an extended period.
On the other hand, Brett Rypien has been a more familiar face in Denver. Rypien, who has spent several seasons with the Broncos, has primarily served as the team’s backup quarterback. While his opportunities to start have been rare, he has provided a sense of stability when called upon. Rypien’s knowledge of the team’s system and the Broncos’ offensive scheme makes him a reliable presence, though his limited upside and lack of significant starting experience have led to questions about his potential in a more prominent role.
With both quarterbacks’ contracts expiring, the Broncos must weigh their options carefully. While re-signing one or both quarterbacks to provide continuity in the backup role is an option, the team could also look to explore alternatives through the free-agent market or the NFL Draft. Denver’s front office will need to consider their salary cap situation and whether investing in a higher-profile backup quarterback would be a more beneficial long-term move for the team.
Another factor in this decision is the health and performance of Russell Wilson. Although Wilson showed signs of improvement in 2023, his inconsistent play and injury history make the backup quarterback position especially critical for the Broncos. With Wilson’s hefty contract and the team’s commitment to him as the starter, the Broncos cannot afford to risk the possibility of an inexperienced backup quarterback being thrust into a starting role without sufficient preparation or talent.
In addition to evaluating Stidham and Rypien, the Broncos could look to the draft to address the backup quarterback situation. The 2024 NFL Draft is expected to feature several promising quarterback prospects, some of whom may have the potential to develop into quality backups or even future starters. With the right scouting, Denver could identify a young quarterback who could learn behind Wilson and eventually take over the backup role in the coming seasons.
For now, the Broncos’ decision-making process will hinge on the performances of Stidham and Rypien during the offseason. Both quarterbacks will have an opportunity to prove themselves during training camp and the preseason, which will play a crucial role in determining whether they earn a spot on the roster for 2024. A strong showing from either player could tilt the scales in their favor, but if neither stands out, the Broncos could opt for an outside addition.
Ultimately, the choice the Broncos make at backup quarterback will have far-reaching consequences. Whether they stick with one of their current quarterbacks, explore free agency, or draft a young talent, the decision will shape the team’s quarterback depth and their ability to respond to any challenges that arise during the season. With the contract statuses of Stidham and Rypien set to expire, the clock is ticking for the Broncos to solidify their backup quarterback situation and prepare for what could be a make-or-break season for Russell Wilson and the team.