Who Is Broncos' Backup QB? What to Know About Jarrett Stidham

With Bo Nix out for the rest of the playoffs with a fractured ankle, Sean Payton and the Denver Broncos are turning to backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham. But who is the Broncos backup QB exactly? Let's dive into his career, pull some numbers, and decide whether or not fans in Colorado should still have hope.

Who is the Broncos' backup quarterback?

Jarrett Stidham entered the NFL as a fourth-round pick, taken 133rd overall by the New England Patriots in the 2019 draft after his college career at Baylor and Auburn.

Over his career, Stidham has played in 19 regular-season games with four starts across stints with the Patriots, Las Vegas Raiders, and Denver Broncos, completing 117 of 197 passes (59.4%) for 1,422 yards, eight touchdowns, and eight interceptions, good for a 78.3 passer rating.

His best stretch came in 2022 with the Raiders, when he posted career highs in passing yards (656), completions (53), and touchdown throws (4).

Primarily serving as a backup with spot-start opportunities  - including time as Denver’s starter in 2023 - Stidham re-signed with the Broncos on a two-year contract in March 2025.

Let's take a look at his numbers through the years.

Jarrett Stidham career stats

What is Stidham's record as a NFL starter?

The Auburn alum has only two starts under his belt with the Broncos since joining in 2023, owning a 1-1 record in those games. He ultimately earned a win in his first outing after Russell Wilson got benched to close the season. Stidham has never played in a playoff game, so next week’s AFC title clash against the Patriots or Texans is set to be the biggest stage of his NFL career ... by a long shot.

His first two starts of his career came with the Raiders, and he lost both of those games. Overall, he's 1-3.

Was Stidham good in college?

Stidham kicked off his college career at Baylor, making a splash as a freshman when he stepped in after Seth Russell went down with an injury. He ultimately finished the season with 12 touchdowns and just two interceptions over 10 games.

Stidham’s starting job wasn’t guaranteed the next year, so he took a detour - spending a semester at a community college before landing at Auburn. There, he ran the offense as a starter for two seasons, piling up 5,952 passing yards, 36 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions, while helping Auburn post 10‑4 and 8‑5 records - solid numbers that turned him into a fourth-round pick.

Can Stidham win a Super Bowl for the Broncos?

While Stidham may not carry star buzz (if any, let's be serious), he brings calm decision-making and a willingness to take what the defense gives him. Yes, in other words, he's a game manager. He’s shown he can move the offense, protect the football, and keep his team competitive - especially when supported by a strong defense like the one they have in Denver.

Most importantly, Stidham has earned respect from coaches and teammates for his preparation and composure. His own head coach has more than enough confidence in him, too. 

Payton is also known to have plenty of experience with backup quarterbacks in his coaching career. Jameis Winston went 5-2 under Payton earlier in his career, while Teddy Bridgewater went 5-1.

The AFC Championship look-ahead lines flipped on their head after Nix was ruled out. Denver was an early 1.5-point betting favorite for the AFC Championship Game against either the Patriots or Texans after taking down the Bills, but moved to underdog status once the news came out. 

So, can he win them a Super Bowl? It's unlikely, and the +1000 Super Bowl odds imply just that. However, if he can limit his turnovers and allow the Broncos' defense to keep him in the game, he may still find success. It's not completely over for Denver ... not yet, at least.