Former Auburn Tigers QB Jarrett Stidham Cashes in with Denver Broncos: A New Chapter in His NFL Journey
Jarrett Stidham, the former Auburn Tigers quarterback, has found a new home with the Denver Broncos in what could be a defining chapter in his NFL career. After a winding journey through the league, Stidham’s potential as a reliable backup quarterback, and potentially a future starter, has finally led him to the Broncos, where he is poised to make a significant impact. In this article, we’ll dive deep into Stidham’s journey, his achievements, and what his signing with the Broncos means for both the player and the team.
Stidham’s Auburn Legacy: A Standout in College Football
Before making his mark in the NFL, Jarrett Stidham was a standout quarterback at Auburn University, where he played under head coach Gus Malzahn. Stidham transferred to Auburn from Baylor in 2017 and quickly became one of the top quarterbacks in the SEC. His playing style, characterized by a strong arm and impressive decision-making, caught the attention of scouts and analysts alike.
During his time at Auburn, Stidham threw for over 7,200 yards, 48 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions. His best season came in 2017 when he led Auburn to a 10-4 record, a Peach Bowl victory over the University of Central Florida, and an SEC Championship appearance. Stidham’s ability to read defenses, his poise under pressure, and his leadership were qualities that earned him respect both in college football and among NFL scouts.
While Stidham’s tenure at Auburn was marked by impressive individual performances, including his performance in Auburn’s victory over the Alabama Crimson Tide in 2017, it was clear that Stidham was destined for a career in the NFL. His strong arm and athleticism, combined with his ability to make plays both in the pocket and on the run, made him a compelling prospect.
A Rocky Start in the NFL
After declaring for the NFL Draft, Stidham was selected by the New England Patriots in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL Draft. His time with the Patriots, however, was not as straightforward as many anticipated. Stidham started as a backup to legendary quarterback Tom Brady, learning under one of the best quarterbacks and head coaches in the game. Stidham’s first few years in New England were quiet, with minimal game time, though he did see some action in the preseason.
In 2020, after Brady’s departure to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Stidham’s opportunities grew as the Patriots struggled to find consistency at the quarterback position. However, Stidham’s chances to start were limited as the team ultimately turned to veteran Cam Newton. Despite having the opportunity to compete for the starting job, Stidham never managed to secure it, and the Patriots signed rookie quarterback Mac Jones in 2021, further reducing his chances for significant playing time.
It wasn’t until the 2022 season that Stidham’s career would take another turn. After being traded to the Las Vegas Raiders, he found himself in a more favorable position under head coach Josh McDaniels, who had previously coached Stidham during his time in New England. This new environment, coupled with injuries to starting quarterback Derek Carr, gave Stidham the opportunity to start in a few games during the latter half of the 2022 season.
One of Stidham’s most notable performances came in a December 2022 game against the San Francisco 49ers. In that contest, Stidham, filling in for the injured Carr, threw for 365 yards and three touchdowns, putting together a remarkable performance despite the Raiders ultimately falling short in the game. Stidham’s ability to handle the pressure of starting in a high-stakes game against one of the NFL’s top defenses garnered praise, and many saw it as a glimpse into his potential as a starting quarterback.
Stidham’s Transition to the Denver Broncos
After his stint with the Raiders, Stidham’s career trajectory took another significant turn when he signed with the Denver Broncos in March 2023. The Broncos had been looking for stability at the quarterback position after a tumultuous few seasons, and they were hoping that Stidham could provide the team with a reliable backup to starter Russell Wilson. The Broncos’ quarterback room had been filled with uncertainty following Wilson’s struggles in his first season with Denver, and Stidham’s signing was a calculated move to bring in a capable backup who could provide competition for the position.
In his first season with the Broncos, Stidham served as the backup to Russell Wilson. While Wilson was the undisputed starter, Stidham’s presence in the quarterback room provided the team with a safety net. His ability to step in and start if needed, along with his experience in various offensive systems, was seen as an invaluable asset. Though he did not see significant playing time during the 2023 season, the Broncos’ front office and coaching staff were confident in his ability to step in and perform when called upon.
Stidham’s performance in Denver’s final two games of the 2023 season, when he was given the chance to start due to Wilson’s struggles, further solidified the Broncos’ faith in him. Despite the team’s overall struggles during those games, Stidham showed that he could manage the offense effectively, throwing for touchdowns and demonstrating his poise under pressure.
The Contract: A Big Payday for Stidham
In March 2025, after impressing the Broncos’ staff with his leadership and readiness to step up when needed, Stidham inked a two-year, $12 million contract with the team. The deal, which includes $7 million in guaranteed money, reflects his potential as a reliable backup quarterback in the NFL. Stidham’s contract extension also suggests that the Broncos view him as an important asset for the upcoming seasons. With Wilson’s future in Denver uncertain, Stidham could very well see more playing time moving forward, especially if Wilson struggles again.
For Stidham, this contract is a culmination of years of hard work, resilience, and adaptability. From being a fourth-round pick to navigating through backup roles and limited opportunities, Stidham has carved out a place for himself in the NFL. His financial windfall is a reflection of his perseverance and his ability to take advantage of every opportunity given to him, no matter how limited.
What Does the Signing Mean for the Broncos?
For the Denver Broncos, signing Stidham to a contract extension is a step toward stability in the quarterback position. Russell Wilson, despite being a former Super Bowl-winning quarterback, has faced significant struggles in recent years. In the 2023 season, Wilson failed to replicate the level of success he had enjoyed in Seattle, throwing more interceptions than touchdowns and failing to lead the Broncos to the playoffs. With the uncertainty surrounding Wilson’s future in Denver, the Broncos needed a reliable backup to ensure that the quarterback position would not become a point of failure for the team.
Stidham’s signing ensures that the Broncos have a competent and capable backup who has shown flashes of potential in his brief starting opportunities. In a league where quarterback injuries and inconsistent play can quickly derail a team’s season, having a player like Stidham in the fold provides the Broncos with much-needed depth. His familiarity with various offensive systems, combined with his competitive drive, makes him an ideal fit for the Broncos as they aim to rebound from a disappointing 2023 season.
Furthermore, the contract extension sends a message to other teams around the league that the Broncos are serious about solidifying their quarterback room. Stidham’s presence ensures that the Broncos have the flexibility to make adjustments as needed without having to worry about finding another backup quarterback on the open market.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Stidham and the Broncos?
Looking ahead to the 2025 season, Stidham’s role with the Broncos will depend largely on the performance of Russell Wilson. If Wilson continues to struggle, Stidham could be thrust into the starting role, where he would be tasked with leading the offense and helping turn the team’s fortunes around. While Wilson’s experience and pedigree as a Super Bowl champion cannot be overlooked, the Broncos are clearly looking for a quarterback who can execute in a consistent and efficient manner.
For Stidham, this is a significant opportunity to prove that he can be a starting quarterback in the NFL. His time with the Raiders and his brief appearances with the Broncos have shown that he has the tools to succeed at the highest level. However, the real test will come if he is given the chance to start over a prolonged period. The Broncos’ decision to invest in him financially reflects the team’s belief in his potential, and it gives Stidham the perfect platform to prove himself.
For the Broncos, the 2025 season will be pivotal in determining their quarterback future. Whether Wilson finds his form again or Stidham gets a chance to lead the offense, the team’s success will hinge on their ability to solve the quarterback dilemma once and for all. With Stidham now signed to a two-year deal, the Broncos are poised to move forward with more confidence, knowing that they have a capable backup who can step in when needed.