Zach Wilson and Jarrett Stidham had very different reactions to Sean Payton’s decision to name Bo Nix as the starting quarterback of the Denver Broncos. The former showed a lot of class while the latter took an abrasive stance against the rookie.
To be fair, their respective place on the roster might’ve played a role in how they reacted.
Wilson, the former No. 2 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, was traded from the Jets to the Broncos during the offseason. Denver essentially decided to take a flier on a live-armed, dual-threat, high-upside signal-caller who was likely rushed into the QB1 job in New York before he was ready. There was no telling whether he would even make the roster when the move was made in April.
On the flip side, Stidham had legitimate expectations to lead the Broncos offense in 2024. He started the last two games of last season after initially signing a two-year, $10 million to back up Russell Wilson. The former fourth round pick was in great position to return to that role — until Nix was drafted No. 12 overall.
Payton ultimately decided to go with the rookie over the journeyman veteran. He announced a starter on Sunday night.
Stidham was brutally honest when asked about the move and expressed his extreme disappointment. Even though it made sense, his reaction to the decision was abrasive and didn’t present in the best light.
Zach Wilson was pure class!
Wilson, unlike Stidham, had nothing but praise for Nix and Payton.
There is still no guarantee that Wilson will make the roster. Denver may or may not choose to carry three quarterbacks and he may not want to stick around on the practice squad. However, Payton said that he plans to make it work.
We’ve got enough money to … I understand the question. We feel comfortable with those three quarterbacks. I think I’ve told you already I see the three of them making it.
— Sean Payton
Either way, the 25-year-old has been exceptional during the preseason. His best drive on Sunday night earned him a backup job somewhere.
Zach Wilson has looked better than he ever has in his time with the Denver Broncos so far this preseason
— Football Digest (@FoootballDigest) August 25, 2024
Pocket presence, patience, accuracy, everything. This drive was damn near flawless by him pic.twitter.com/ZKVWlKiulV
Regardless of what happens with the rest of the 53-man roster, Bo Nix is going to start. Zach Wilson and Jarrett Stidham are on opposite ends of the spectrum when it comes to how they feel.