'They might be better': NFL executive offers eyebrow-raising Bo Nix-Jarrett Stidham take

One NFL executive believes backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham may be an upgrade for the Denver Broncos. 

Broncos starting QB Bo Nix broke a bone in his right ankle in overtime of a 33-30 win over the Buffalo Bills in the AFC divisional round. That will thrust Stidham into the starting role when Denver hosts the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship Game on Sunday (3 p.m. ET, CBS/Paramount+). 

For a Monday column, the exec. told The Athletic's Mike Sando that Payton is still trying to justify taking former Auburn Tigers/Oregon Ducks star Nix with pick No. 12 in the 2024 NFL Draft, which was considered a reach.

"[Payton] is going to do whatever he can to make the quarterback look good because it's his guy," the exec. said. "I think they might be better with Jarrett Stidham." 

Why Jarrett Stidham isn't an upgrade over Bo Nix

Nix is far from perfect, but he's one big reason the Broncos are one game away from the Super Bowl. The second-year passer ranked eighth in the league in passing yards (3,931) and tied for ninth in touchdown passes (25) during the regular season. He also played a key role in the ground game, rushing for 356 yards and five TDs.

Nix remained poised in the win over Buffalo, completing 26-of-46 passes for 279 yards, three touchdown passes and one interception and ran for 29 yards on 12 carries. 

Payton has often praised Nix throughout his first two seasons. Before the 2025 season, the Super Bowl-winning coach said he could eventually "become a superstar." However, he's clearly high on Stidham. 

"I said this at the beginning of the season. I feel like I've got a [No. 2 QB] who's capable of starting for a handful of teams," Payton said after announcing Nix's injury. "I know he feels the same way. So, watch out. Watch out."