Broncos’ Quarterback Conundrum: After Nix Injury, Denver’s Options Are Slim - and Mostly Retired
The Denver Broncos are in a bind. With Bo Nix now sidelined for the rest of the season due to a season-ending ankle injury, the team is staring down the barrel of a playoff run without its rookie quarterback. And if you're looking around the league for a veteran savior, well... good luck.
Just over a month ago, the Indianapolis Colts tried to pull a rabbit out of their own hat, coaxing 44-year-old Philip Rivers out of retirement after losing Daniel Jones in December. Rivers gave it a go, starting three games and putting up respectable numbers - 63% completion rate, 544 yards, four touchdowns, and three picks. But the Colts went 0-3 with him under center and missed the postseason.
As for Rivers helping Denver now? Not happening. Because he ended the season on Indy’s roster, he’s not eligible to sign with another team until March.
That’s the tricky part for Denver. NFL rules restrict player movement after the regular season ends - meaning any quarterback who finished the year on an active roster or even a reserve/retired list isn’t eligible to join a new team until the new league year begins. That rules out guys like Derek Carr (still technically tied to the Saints), Aaron Rodgers, and yes, even Russell Wilson (who, ironically, is still under contract with Denver for now).
And before anyone asks - Tom Brady isn’t walking through that door either. The seven-time Super Bowl champ is officially off-limits, thanks to his ownership stake in the Las Vegas Raiders.
So, who can the Broncos call? The list is short.
And, frankly, not very promising. But let’s take a look at some of the more notable names - all retired, all longshots, and all currently not in the league.
1. Tim Tebow (38)
Yes, Tebow won a playoff game with the Broncos. Yes, he’s a fan favorite.
But no, he’s not coming back. He hasn’t played quarterback in the NFL since 2015, and his brief 2021 attempt to reinvent himself as a tight end didn’t exactly inspire confidence.
This one’s more nostalgic than realistic.
2. Peyton Manning (47)
Manning still calls Denver home and remains involved with the franchise in various ways. But it’s been a full decade since he led the Broncos to a Super Bowl 50 win, and even then, his arm strength was fading.
The legend’s legacy is secure - and it’s staying that way. No comeback here.
3. Drew Brees (47)
The Brees-Sean Payton connection is real - they won a Super Bowl together in New Orleans. But Brees has been open about the state of his throwing arm, telling ESPN back in 2023 that he doesn’t even use his right arm to throw anymore.
"If I could, absolutely I'd still be playing," he said. That tells you all you need to know.
4. Colin Kaepernick (38)
Denver nearly traded for Kaepernick back in 2016, but that was a decade ago. He hasn’t played in the NFL since 2017, and while his name still generates buzz, a return at this point feels more theoretical than practical.
5. Robert Griffin III (35)
RGIII has stayed close to the game through his work in broadcasting and has said he’s ready if the phone rings. “If someone called me, I could certainly play,” he said in December.
But it’s been since 2020 that he last saw NFL action. The odds of that call coming now?
Slim.
6. Andrew Luck (36)
Now this would be a story. The former Colts star walking away from the game in 2019 shocked the league.
A return now, seven years later, to lead Denver on a playoff run? That would be Hollywood stuff.
But Luck has shown no signs of wanting to come back, and if he were going to, he likely would’ve done it by now.
7. Nick Foles (36)
Foles officially retired in August 2024, but he’ll always be remembered for that magical Super Bowl run with the Eagles. Could he be tempted for one last ride?
Possibly. But again, he’s not in football shape, and the Broncos need someone now.
8. Ryan Tannehill (37)
If there’s one name on this list that feels somewhat plausible, it’s Tannehill. He only just retired in November and is likely still in decent shape.
If Denver were to make a desperation move, this might be the most viable route. But even then, it’s a long shot.
So... What Now?
The Broncos have already added Ben DiNucci to the practice squad, giving them three healthy quarterbacks heading into the AFC Championship Game: Jarrett Stidham, Sam Ehlinger, and DiNucci. Stidham is expected to start, and unless something drastic happens, this is the group Denver is rolling with the rest of the way.
If the Broncos are going to pull off a miracle, it won’t be thanks to a surprise return from a retired legend. It’s going to be on Stidham to rise to the moment and write his own chapter in Denver’s postseason history.