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- Sean Payton says Broncos ‘certainly’ could roster three QBs (newsbreak.com)
ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — Denver Broncos’ head coach Sean Payton, who earlier this week declared rookie Bo Nix the starting quarterback, has expressed his satisfaction with all three of the team’s quarterbacks throughout training camp and preseason.
Following Friday’s practice, Payton discussed the possibility of keeping Nix, Jarrett Stidham, and Zach Wilson even after the NFL mandates teams reduce their rosters to 53 players by the upcoming Tuesday. “Sure, certainly,” was Payton’s response when asked about retaining all three quarterbacks.
He noted a recent rule change that allows the third quarterback to join the game-day roster without affecting the count. “But ultimately, you’re really looking at your assets when you make that decision,” he added.
Nix, set to be the first Broncos rookie quarterback to start an opening game since John Elway in 1983, will lead the team against the Seattle Seahawks on September 8. He emerged victorious in a competition with Stidham and Wilson for the starting position.
Throughout the offseason and the initial week of training camp, all three quarterbacks shared equal time with the starting offense. Since the second week, however, Wilson was phased out, leaving Stidham and Nix to share snaps, with Nix eventually taking the majority over the past two weeks.
Nix was formally named the starter on Wednesday.
Payton has openly praised all three quarterbacks during the competition, mentioning how well Stidham and Wilson have supported Nix. Wilson, acquired in a trade with the New York Jets right before the draft, was the second overall pick in the 2021 draft.
Last season, the Broncos retained only two quarterbacks when they trimmed their roster to 53 players, but Payton suggested on Friday he might keep three this year if that seems to be the best outcome from upcoming personnel meetings, including one held that day.
Nix will sit out the preseason finale on Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals, with Stidham starting and playing “eight to 12 snaps,” according to Payton, and Wilson will finish the game.
“We’ve got a pretty good idea of the direction we’re going,” Payton said regarding the upcoming quarterback roster decisions. “I think we’ve got a real good handle on that room specifically. I’ve said it and I’ll say it again, I like that room.”
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- Sean Payton says Broncos ‘certainly’ could roster three QBs (newsbreak.com)