Broncos Make Quarterback Decision Ahead of Minicamp

During the 2021 NFL Draft, Sean Payton, then the head coach of the Saints, drafted Book in the fourth round. Book reunites with Payton in Denver, while Ridder goes elsewhere for an opportunity.

Book has just one game of NFL experience, where back in 2021 he started a game for the Saints in his rookie season. Book went 12 of 20 for 135 passing yards and two interceptions, with no touchdowns. 

The 27-year-old has since bounced around the NFL, going to the Eagles, New England Patriots, Kansas City Chiefs, before re-joining the Eagles at the end of the 2024 season. 

He was signed to the active roster, and then put back onto the practice squad in Philly, where he remained as the Eagles beat the Chiefs in the Super Bowl.

Ridder, meanwhile, is a former third-round pick of the Falcons in the 2022 NFL Draft. He's also bounced around the league, finding starting opportunities with the Cardinals and Raiders after his release from the Falcons.

Ridder has 18 starts in his NFL career, with 13 coming in the 2023 season with Atlanta. He had 249 completions on 388 attempts for 2,836 passing yards and 12 touchdowns to 12 interceptions.

With the Raiders in 2024, Ridder appeared in six games, starting just one. He threw 52 completions on 85 attempts for 458 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions.

With Ridder backing out of the Broncos' minicamp, the door opened for Book to reunite with Payton. Both would be unlikely to make the 53-man roster, as Bo Nix, Jarrett Stidham, and Sam Ehlinger all would likely be on the roster after final cuts.