Sean Payton calls Broncos' quarterbacks 'orphaned dogs'

Denver coach Sean Payton didn't use the most flattering metaphor when describing the Broncos' three quarterbacks.

Payton called the trio, which consists of Bo Nix, Zach Wilson and Jarrett Stidham, "orphaned dogs" Thursday.

"They've all come from somewhere, but they're doing well. It's a good room," said Peyton, who will be entering his second year as Denver's coach.

The Broncos selected Nix with the 12th pick in this year's draft after he threw for 4,508 yards and 45 touchdowns in his final season at Oregon. He completed 77.4 percent of his passes and threw only three interceptions in 470 attempts.

Two days before the draft, the Broncos acquired Wilson, who was the No. 2 overall pick in 2021, and a seventh-round pick from the New York Jets for a sixth-round pick. Wilson struggled with the Jets in his 34 games, throwing for 6,293 yards with 23 touchdowns and 25 interceptions while completing 57 percent of his passes.

Stidham appeared in three games last season for the Broncos and started the final two after he was signed by the club in March 2023. He threw two touchdowns and one interception during the two starts after Denver suddenly decided to bench Russell Wilson. The Broncos, who finished 8-9 last season, released Wilson in March two years into a five-year, $245 million contract.