The last time Jarrett Stidham threw a pass in an NFL game was during the final week of the 2023 season, which ended with the Denver Broncos bowing out to the Las Vegas Raiders. He was named the starting quarterback by head coach Sean Payton, taking over for Russell Wilson, and played in the last three games of the season as the Broncos were eliminated from playoff contention.
The next pass Stidham throws will be the most significant of his career.
For the last two seasons, he backed up Bo Nix in Denver, but now he’s stepping into the starting role for the AFC Championship Game, with a chance to go to Super Bowl LX on the line.
What’s more, he’ll be playing against the very team that drafted him.
Jarrett Stidham becomes a Patriot
The 2019 NFL Draft class of quarterbacks was quite the spectacle.
Kyler Murray was the standout, picked first overall by the Arizona Cardinals, while Daniel Jones shone at the Senior Bowl and was taken 6th by the New York Giants. Dwayne Haskins also made headlines when he was selected 15th by Washington.
Yet, on the third day of the draft, the New England Patriots maintained their pattern. Even with Tom Brady firmly established as the starter, they often drafted quarterbacks. This time, they took Stidham with the 133rd pick.
Stidham began his college career at Baylor, stepping in for an injured starter during his freshman year. Unfortunately, he faced his own setbacks that season and ended up leaving the school after the departure of coach Art Briles due to serious controversies.
After a year at McLennan Community College, where he didn’t play, Stidham finally returned to football in the SEC with Auburn for the 2017 season. He had a solid two years there, starting in both 2017 and 2018 and recording 36 touchdowns against 11 interceptions.
This success led to an invite to the 2019 Senior Bowl, where he interacted with a rather nervous writer post-practice.
For context, Stidham stands at 6’3″. I wonder what that means for him.
When the Patriots’ turn came up at pick No. 133, they submitted Stidham’s name.
Bill Belichick, as always, made the announcement with his signature dramatic touch.
At the time of the draft, Josh McDaniels was the Patriots’ offensive coordinator and shared his thoughts on Stidham’s potential, noting his intelligence and good nature. “He’s consistent, asks smart questions, and is eager to learn,” McDaniels said.
“He has a good attitude, and I’m eager to get him on the field,” he added.
Jarrett Stidham’s trip to Denver
Stidham’s time with the Patriots spanned three seasons.
During his rookie year, he primarily served as Brady’s backup, getting limited chances during Brady’s last season in New England. But when Brady left for Tampa Bay in 2020 and the Patriots opted not to draft a quarterback, many assumed Stidham was next in line.
But, plans can shift quickly. Initially a frontrunner for the starting position, Stidham found himself on the sidelines when the Patriots signed Cam Newton in July, pushing him to the third-string spot.
He did get some playing time late in the season as a relief option for Newton, yet it was evident his future was uncertain.
The situation became clearer in the following spring when the Patriots selected Mac Jones with the 15th pick in the 2021 Draft. Stidham spent most of that season sidelined due to a back injury, and even though he returned, he didn’t take to the field.
Eventually, he was traded to the Las Vegas Raiders where he rejoined McDaniels, now head coach, and Dave Ziegler from New England.
Stidham began his Raiders tenure as Derek Carr’s backup, but when Carr was waived, Stidham stepped into the starting role for the final games of the season.
In those two games, he completed 45 out of 69 passes for 584 yards, four touchdowns, and three interceptions, notably throwing for 365 yards against the 49ers.
Those performances gave him an impressive spotlight.
The Broncos’ new coach prioritized signing Stidham during the 2023 offseason, highlighting his performance against the 49ers as a factor.
“I see him as a young talent who performed well when we evaluated him,” Payton stated in March 2023.
Payton made an ambitious forecast.
“We believe his potential is trending upwards, and he can be an NFL starter,” he indicated. “We expect him to contribute greatly to our team,” he added.
Returning to the discussion later, Payton reiterated his faith in Stidham.
“We see him as a rising talent who can compete,” he said.
Even after acquiring Russell Wilson before the 2023 season, Stidham found himself as the starting quarterback for the Broncos when Wilson could not perform due to age and experience limitations. Just before the playoffs, Stidham played a critical role in leading the Broncos to a win against the Chargers, completing 20 of 32 passes for 224 yards and a touchdown.
Alas, after their playoff hopes faded, Stidham’s starting season concluded with a loss to the Raiders.
With Wilson not returning, the Broncos prepared for a rookie season in 2024. However, Stidham opted to remain in Denver, joining Payton once more.
Both Nix and Payton spoke positively about Stidham’s return.
“He’s been amazing, helping shape our game plan and strategies,” Nix remarked earlier in 2025.
“He strikes a balance between youthful energy and veteran wisdom,” Payton also mentioned.
Indeed, Denver viewed retaining Stidham as more than just a strategic move.
Now, as he heads into the AFC Championship Game, fans are left wondering what his performance will look like.
Payton assured everyone, referencing Stidham’s acumen and adaptability.
“Over the years, we’ve seen him grow and develop,” Payton explained, underscoring Stidham’s accuracy and field understanding.
He expressed confidence that Stidham is ready for this pivotal moment.
“He possesses a calm demeanor that serves him well on big stages,” said Payton.
As for the Patriots, it seems they attempted to re-acquire Stidham to support a backup role for Drake Maye, which speaks volumes about his perceived talent.
Overall, it’s poised to be an electric atmosphere in Denver this Sunday.
And regarding Stidham’s last pass attempt in the regular season? Well, it didn’t end well—it was intercepted.
Fans are certainly hoping for a much brighter outcome this time around.
And their coach seems to be on the same page.
