When the Denver Broncos signed Jarrett Stidham in 2023, it wasn’t just a depth move-it was a deliberate decision by Sean Payton. According to Peter Schrager, Stidham wasn’t buried on some long list of free-agent options.
He was at the top. That’s right-Payton walked into his first offseason in Denver, facing a mountain of dead cap after the Russell Wilson buyout, and still made Stidham a priority.
Quietly, but intentionally.
Now, let’s be honest: Stidham’s résumé doesn’t scream franchise quarterback. He’s been in the league six seasons, has just one win as a starter, and his playoff debut-against the Patriots, no less-was a mixed bag.
He finished that game 17-of-31 for 133 yards, one touchdown, one pick, and a fumble. Not exactly the stuff of legend.
But context matters. That game was played in a Denver blizzard, and even top rookie Drake Maye struggled, completing just 10-of-21 for 86 yards.
It was a grind-it-out defensive battle, not a quarterback showcase.
Still, there are flashes-moments that make you understand why coaches keep coming back to Stidham. His best performance?
That came in Week 17 of the 2022 season, his first NFL start, facing a 49ers defense that ranked top-three in yards per play allowed. Stidham went 23-of-34 for 365 yards, three touchdowns, and two interceptions-taking zero sacks in the process.
That’s not just a good outing; that’s a statement game against one of the league’s most disciplined defenses.
Josh McDaniels saw it early. He brought Stidham to Las Vegas in 2022 after drafting him in New England back in 2019.
And behind the scenes, the support runs deep. Former Patriots safety Devin McCourty once said Stidham believed he was the best quarterback in the NFL-and he didn’t say it with a smirk.
Stidham was that guy on the scout team, jawing with the starters, bringing energy every snap. Confidence isn’t lacking.
Fast forward to the Broncos’ playoff game this year. The numbers don’t jump off the page, but Stidham showed glimpses.
On Denver’s second drive-still within the scripted portion of the offense-he led a five-play, 59-yard touchdown drive, capped by a 52-yard strike to Marvin Mims Jr. That pass traveled 41 yards in the air, the longest by a Broncos QB all season.
Later, he delivered a touchdown to Courtland Sutton while rolling out and throwing off his back foot. These are not easy throws.
These are big-time plays, in big-time moments.
Of course, the flip side is also true. After that hot start, Stidham cooled off.
Whether it was the weather, the playoff pressure, or just the Patriots’ defense adjusting, he struggled to regain rhythm. His fumble in the second quarter set up New England’s only touchdown, and from there, the game bogged down.
So what does this mean for teams like the Vikings, who may be in the market for a veteran backup?
Kevin O’Connell, with his New England ties, surely knows Stidham’s story. And while Minnesota won’t be calling Stidham before they explore bigger names-think Joe Burrow if he hits the market, or even Mac Jones if they’re willing to overpay-the idea of Stidham as a cost-effective, low-drama backup has its appeal.
He’s not a reclamation project like Anthony Richardson. He’s not carrying the baggage-or the salary-of a late-career Aaron Rodgers.
And he’s got more upside than aging vets like Joe Flacco or Carson Wentz. If J.J.
McCarthy is the guy in Minnesota, Stidham could be the kind of backup who doesn’t rock the boat but can steady it if needed.
At 29, he’s still in his physical prime. He’s shown he can handle a game plan, make throws under pressure, and keep the offense on schedule-at least in spurts. And with a coach like O’Connell, who’s proven he can elevate quarterbacks with the right system, there might be another level to unlock.
No, Jarrett Stidham isn’t the headline-grabbing name in free agency. But he’s earned his reputation as a smart, confident, team-first quarterback who can step in when called upon. And in today’s NFL, where backup quarterbacks often decide seasons, that’s not just valuable-it’s essential.