Following the shocking injury to quarterback Bo Nix, Denver Broncos backup Jarrett Stidham has a chance to shine during the AFC Championship Game and receive potential trade interest this upcoming offseason. According to the breaking news, the Broncos will have to move on without Nix for the rest of the playoffs after the medical staff found a broken bone in Nix’s ankle. It’s a brutal end to Denver’s momentum offensively despite sneaking away and defeating the Buffalo Bills during the AFC Divisional Round. Stidham is the “next man up,” like they say in the league, but this is a good opportunity for him to earn a new role for another team if he performs well.
Broncos May Receive Trade Interest for Jarrett Stidham After Stunning Bo Nix Injury
The backup hasn’t gotten any first-team reps, so this will be a daunting task either way for Stidham. The Broncos still have one of the greatest minds in head coach Sean Payton, so the backup won’t have the worst performance unless the Patriots’ defense plans to be dominant once again. Originally selected in the 2019 NFL Draft, the former Auburn product spent some time as Tom Brady’s backup for two seasons. Stidham was assumed to be the replacement for Brady once he eventually left New England, but he never got a decent chance to showcase his talents.
Despite being ready, the Patriots instead traded him to the Las Vegas Raiders while drafting former starting quarterback Mac Jones. After some time in Las Vegas, Stidham had a strong chance to become the starter, but lost the starting role to Nix. The backup felt like he’s still a strong starter in the league, and now he has a shot to prove it in the biggest game of his career.
Potential Trade Destinations
Arizona Cardinals
With the Cardinals expected to cut Kyler Murray, the team will be searching for a new long-term quarterback this upcoming offseason. Arizona still has a long way to go before becoming a contender in the league. However, they still have somewhat of a well-rounded offense between Michael Wilson, James Conner and tight end Trey McBride. The Cardinals just need a solid ball thrower to put them in the best position to thrive. Stidham might not be the most efficient quarterback, as there are other better fits out there, but this would allow him to develop for the long haul.
Arizona will likely take a quarterback in the draft, but they can’t ignore adding experience in the room. Jacoby Brissett is far from being a starter, and the Cardinals could do better here. The team should bring in Stidham for some real competition for Brissett.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Meanwhile, the Steelers want Aaron Rodgers, but he probably won’t return after Mike Tomlin decided to step away from the team. While Rodgers will probably find a new team, the Steelers must focus their attention on rebuilding. The team hasn’t had a long-term quarterback since the Ben Roethlisberger era. They have Will Howard waiting in the wings, so why not get them and Stidham to battle it out for the starting role?
Indianapolis Colts
The Colts are in a familiar situation, even though they have their eyes set on bringing back Daniel Jones despite suffering a season-ending injury. Jones has proven to be the guy for this offense, but they will need a backup either way. If Stidham impresses during the AFC Championship Game, the Colts should consider trading for him. This means the team will likely cut Anthony Richardson anyway, so this would set up for a new backup to emerge.