Zach Wilson is content to be a reserve or third-string player in Denver. He will be on the Broncos’ 53-man roster..
But Jarrett Stidham had a much different reaction when he found out Bo Nix would be Denver’s starting quarterback in Week 1’s road matchup against the Seahawks on Sept. 8.
“First of all, obviously I’m very disappointed. I know I’m a starting quarterback in this league. I have no doubt about that. It just didn’t go my way,” Stidham said after Sunday’s 38-12 win over the Cardinals. “But I know what kind of player I am, what kind of person I am, and like I said, I’m ready to go if needed. … I have no doubt that I deserve to be a starting quarterback in this league.”
The Broncos had three players competing for the starting quarterback position this year, but Nix was always rated favorably in the draft (12th overall pick in this year’s class).
Wilson struggled with the Jets and was traded to Denver in a late draft swap, while Stidham played in just 16 NFL games and threw eight touchdown passes.
There had been speculation the Broncos might start one of their veterans before moving on to the former Oregon star, but Denver coach Sean Payton announced last week that the Knicks had won the competition ahead of the team’s third and final preseason game.
Stidham started the final two games of last season after the Broncos benched Russell Wilson and was viewed as the Knicks’ biggest competitor for the position. According to the Denver PostPerhaps that explains why he was so stung.
Wilson, meanwhile, seems to have sensed that things are getting worse.
“Yeah, I’m excited about him. I don’t think there were any big surprises, obviously. I thought he’d had a great camp. I told him I’m excited about the opportunity. I really believe they’ve put him in a good situation. I think Sean’s done a great job,” Wilson said Sunday. “Bo’s just getting better and better. So I’m excited to see what he does and I think he’s ready to go.”
The Broncos must decide now. Which quarterback will be the Knicks’ backup? Payton said Sunday that he plans to have all three on the roster.
“We feel good about those three quarterbacks,” Payton told ESPN. “I think I said it already, those three are going to be successful.”
Wilson played nearly the entire game on Sunday, with Stidham handling only the first possession.
The Super Bowl-winning coach previously said Stidham would be a good resource for the Knicks as they adjust to the NFL.
Wilson performed well in his final audition, completing 16 of 25 passes for 255 yards and two touchdowns.
“We all want to play and we all want to be a part of the team,” Wilson told ESPN. “We all want to do our best, but we all understand where the other person is, so we support each other. We want everybody to do their best. … If I can provide any help or input for the Knicks … I will.”
