The Denver Broncos need a quarterback, even with Bo Nix, Jarrett Stidham, and Sam Ehlinger under contract. In fact, the Broncos are seeking another QB because they have those three and no one else.
Following the 2026 draft, the Broncos, like every other team, are set to get their first look at the rookie draft class.
That will require outside help at the most important position on the field.
Broncos Eyeing Vet QB for Rookie Minicamp
GettySean Payton of the Founders FFC takes the field during the Fanatics Flag Football Classic.
The Broncos selected seven players in the 2026 draft, and then signed another 15 college free agents. However, the Broncos did not add a QB. That presents a bit of a hurdle as they prepare to take the field.
“I’m told the #Broncos are looking to bring in a veteran QB as a tryout player to rookie minicamp because they want a good arm to throw those 3 days to their rookies,” the Denver Gazette’s Chris Tomasson reported on X on April 28. “Their three quarterbacks, Bo Nix, Jarrett Stidham and Sam Ehlinger, obviously aren’t eligible for rookie minicamp.”
Nix is the Broncos’ unquestioned starter. He is recovering from a broken bone in his ankle that ended his second campaign in the AFC Divisional Playoffs.
That is not why he is ineligible, though.
The NFL permits teams to invite up to five veteran players in for rookie minicamp. However, Nix, like Ehlinger and Stidham, is under contract. That is what makes the trio of trusted QBs unavailable to head coach Sean Payton and the Broncos.
The tricky part for the Broncos is that there is little to be gained in Denver for a veteran QB looking for another opportunity. That is, save for an additional point of contact.
That could make it a tough sell.
Broncos’ QB Options
GettyThe Denver Broncos could use an option like Brett Rypien for their rookie minicamp.
The Broncos are certainly not in the market for free agents like Aaron Rodgers–on whom the Pittsburgh Steelers have the right of first refusal–or Russell Wilson. They could even have trouble landing lower-tier free-agent options like Jimmy Garoppolo or Tyrod Taylor.
A career backup like Cooper Rush could be available. However, his interest might not be any higher than a retread backup like Teddy Bridgewater.
Instead, Denver could be left with options like former Broncos QB Brett Rypien.
Easton Stick, Jeff Driskel, John Wolford–a Super Bowl champion like Rodgers and Wilson, but as a backup–and Skylar Thompson are also in that tier.
The good news is that the Broncos are seeking a minicamp arm, not the future of their franchise like they were before selecting Nix 12th overall in 2024. Still, it presents a hurdle for Payton and the Broncos to clear.
What Veteran Rookie Minicamp Invitees Get
GettyJohn Wolford could be a rookie minicamp option for the Denver Broncos.
The Broncos can offer a veteran rookie minicamp invitee what the rest of the league can, which does not exactly help their chances of bringing one of note in this spring.
Per Article 22 of the NFL CBA (via Over The Cap), those players receive compensation for travel expenses to and from the minicamp. It also accounts for housing for players from out of town, a “pro-rated portion of the weekly per diem,” and a meal allowance.
They are not allowed to receive anything more besides an opportunity to showcase their wares.
There are provisions in the CBA in the event a player suffers an injury. But the Broncos could find themselves at a significant disadvantage when trying to appeal to veteran passers.
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