Could Broncos QB Jarrett Stidham actually take over for Russell Wilson?

A storyline that suggests recently signed backup QB Jarrett Stidham could eventually threaten Russell Wilson, Denver's fledgling starter, keeps gaining traction.

"Don't sleep on Stidham's presence in Denver," wrote ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. "Yes, Wilson is the unquestioned starter, and his contract, for one more year at least, is ironclad. But HC Sean Payton was complimentary of Stidham, calling the player evaluation 'crystal-clear.'"

Payton also believes the 26-year-old QB is just scratching the surface of his potential.

"In this case, I think he's a No. 2 whose arrow is moving in the direction of where we feel like he can become a starter in our league," Payton said at the NFL's annual owner meeting on Monday.

Stidham only has two career starts, both losses, so it's surprising to hear he's an asset. Yet he showed flashes of brilliance in his first career start in Week 17 with the Raiders last season.

In a 37-34 overtime loss to the 49ers — the league's No. 1 scoring defense in 2022 — Stidham threw for 365 yards, three passing TDs, completed 67.7 percent of his passes and posted a 108.1 passer rating.

According to The Athletic's Nick Kosmider, Stidham was the second QB since 1950 to throw for at least 350 yards and three TDs in his starting debut.

Although it's hasty to declare that Stidham should start Week 1, his potential is alluring, especially if Wilson repeats his horrendous 2022 performance.
In 15 starts, the former Pro Bowler flailed and flopped, registering a career-low 36.7 QBR, 27th in the league.

The Broncos dealt two draft picks for Payton, a Super Bowl champion coach, hoping he can help the 34-year-old QB rebound, but Payton taking a chance on his intriguing backup isn't far-fetched unless Wilson bounces back to an elite level.