There’s still a battle for the Broncos backup QB position

The battle for QB2 behind Bo Nix has been one of the compelling storylines of Broncos training camp; as the preseason finale approaches, it's still wide open

BY JOEY FREEBURG

Aug 26, 2026, 5:28 PM

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Watch: Jarrett Stidham is not good enough to be the Broncos No. 2 QB and they need to make a trade for a backup | 55 seconds

The battle for QB2 behind Bo Nix has been one of the compelling storylines of Broncos training camp. And as the preseason finale approaches, Sean Payton still isn’t tipping his hand.

Payton took the podium after Wednesday’s practice and was asked directly if he’s made a definitive decision on who will serve as Nix’s backup. He didn’t flinch.

“No, not yet,” Payton said.

When pressed on whether the Broncos would keep three quarterbacks on the 53-man active roster, as they did in 2025, Payton gave a more nuanced answer.

“Good question,” the head coach offered. “If there were like eight roster questions, it’s one of the eight as you’re looking at building your roster.”

Jarrett Stidham has held Denver’s backup quarterback role since 2023 and carries more experience than Sam Ehlinger, who arrived as a free agent in 2025. But Stidham’s most recent meaningful game action came in the AFC Championship Game loss to New England last January, where he was thrust into the lineup after Bo Nix’s broken ankle. That performance – 133 yards, one touchdown, one interception and a crucial turnover on 17-of-31 passing in a 10-7 loss – left a sour taste that hasn’t fully washed out.

Through two preseason games this summer, Stidham has combined for 213 yards, one touchdown and one interception on 18-of-30 passing. He was particularly strong in the opener against Atlanta, playing with the first- and second-team offensive units in Denver’s 27-7 victory. Ehlinger, meanwhile, has been more limited in his opportunities, recording 77 yards and zero touchdowns on 12-of-16 passing while primarily working with the second- and third-team units.

New offensive coordinator Davis Webb has spoken positively about both signal-callers throughout camp.

“Stiddy, he’s in year four. He’s spotted play for us very well,” Webb said after an earlier camp practice. “I think Sam has grown tremendously from last year to this year. We’re really fortunate to have three really good quarterbacks.”

Most 53-man roster projections have Stidham winning the job, with Ehlinger likely landing on the practice squad. But the final preseason game against the Minnesota Vikings on Thursday will give both quarterbacks one last chance to make their case, with Nix not expected to play.

Regardless of who wins, the reality looming over this competition is clear, if anything happens to Bo Nix again, the Broncos need whoever is behind him to be ready. The AFC Championship Game proved that the margin between a Super Bowl berth and a season-ending heartbreak can come down to what your backup does with a handful of possessions.

Friday night, we’ll get one final look before Payton makes his call.