Editor’s note: First in a series previewing the Broncos’ position groups entering training camp. Today, quarterbacks.
On the roster (four): Russell Wilson, Jarrett Stidham, Ben DiNucci, Jarrett Guarantano.
How many on the 53? Likely two, maybe three.
Most impactful offseason move: Hiring Sean Payton as the head coach.
Payton takes pride in the culture he builds, the way he details work, the way he manages games. He’s confident across the board. But there’s no doubt his hiring also has an impact on the quarterback room. Wilson glowed about Payton before he ever interviewed for the job. Payton has the gravitas to demand a lot out of Wilson and also to make the call on how much leash to give the nine-time Pro Bowler if he doesn’t improve from a career-worst 2022.
If all goes to plan, that won’t be an issue. That’s kind of the point of making this hire.
Biggest question to answer in camp: Two or three?
In reality, the only question that fully matters is whether Wilson bounces back, but we won’t know the answer to that by the time August ends.
In camp, then, it’ll be a numbers game. Payton through most of his years with Drew Brees kept two quarterbacks on the 53-man roster. He didn’t sound like a coach champing at the bit to keep three just because the NFL tweaked its rule about emergency quarterbacks on the roster, so the ultimate decision probably depends on whether he thinks he can get the third guy through waivers to the practice squad.
Battle to watch: Will No. 3 be DiNucci, Guarantano or somebody else?
Guarantano is a big, tall quarterback who Denver decided to keep around after signing him late in the 2022 season. DiNucci parlayed a strong XFL campaign this spring into a tryout and then a roster spot. They each have a chance to land a spot on the 16-man practice squad and wait in the wings in case of an injury. Early edge probably goes to DiNucci, but Payton often says that once you’re in the building, all bets are off. So let’s see how Guarantano progresses through camp.
Under the radar player: Stidham.
The Broncos jumped at the chance to land the 26-year-old in free agency and gave him $5 million guaranteed, so he’s not fully under the radar. Payton said it was “quietly” a priority to pry him from Las Vegas. His importance in Denver, though, might be higher than most realize. Payton clearly likes him. People around the organization say he impressed in the offseason program. Remember, Wilson didn’t just play poorly in 2022. He also was on the injury report three times (shoulder, hamstring, concussion) without even including an apparent pre-season calf issue. The best situation for the Broncos is Wilson stays healthy and plays well for multiple years into his massive 2022 contract extension. If one or both of those fails to happen, Stidham could find a situation that’s not at all under the radar.
Tuesday: Running backs.
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