The Denver Broncos are, unsurprisingly, giving Jarrett Stidham another start at quarterback in their Week 18 finale. Though the game is meaningless for the already-eliminated Broncos, however, it sounds like it might be a very important one for the quarterback.
Broncos coach Sean Payton was asked Monday if Stidham’s two starts down the stretch were a sort of audition for the starting job in 2024. Payton deflected slightly, saying that could be said of any player, but did admit that Stidham was absolutely being evaluated with 2024 in mind.
“That’s the case with every player, right?” Payton said, via Chris Tomasson of the Denver Gazette. “We are constantly evaluating how they play and then it would definitely carry over to how we feel about next year, relative to their role. The answer would be yes. I think these are important snaps and games for him.”
The Broncos’ quarterback job for 2024 certainly seems to be wide open. Considering how they have handled Russell Wilson, it looks highly unlikely that he will be back. Aside from Stidham, there is no other option on the roster unless they bring in a veteran or draft a rookie, which may give Stidham the inside track.
The 27-year-old went 20/32 for 224 yards with a touchdown in a win over the Chargers on Sunday. He will get another chance to show what he can do against the Las Vegas Raiders in Sunday’s season finale.
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