Startling Details Emerge on Broncos' Deal With QB Jarrett Stidham

It's time to break down Jarrett Stidham's new contract with the Denver Broncos.

The Denver Broncos have been more active in free agency than in some time, having made multiple moves early in the 'legal tampering' period.

I'm going to examine the contract breakdown for each player as the details are revealed. Let's now examine the deal for new Broncos backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham.

Contract Details

Summary: Two years, $10M, $5M fully guaranteed.

Breakdown

• 2023: $2M signing bonus, $2M base salary (fully guaranteed).
• 2024: $4.49M base salary ($1M fully guaranteed), $1M roster bonus.

Cap charges: $3.51M in 2023, $6.49 in 2024.

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Gut Reaction

Stidham has started just two games in four seasons, but that didn't stop the Broncos from guaranteeing him a fair amount of money for a backup quarterback.

This really strikes me as the coaching staff really wanting a particular quarterback and, thus, the front office giving him a deal to ensure he's brought on board.

However, when compared to other QBs who signed to be backups around the NNFL thus far, this was quite an overpay for Stidham. Sam Darnold took less guaranteed money to be a backup (one year/$4.5M/$3.5M gtd), and P.J. Walker, whom the Carolina Panthers didn't tender as a restricted free agent, has started more games than Stidham and might have signed for less money. Walker took a two-year deal with the Chicago Bears worth $5M with just a $1M signing bonus. 

I can understand the Broncos not wanting to add a veteran who some might think has a legitimate chance to start, but I wouldn't have paid Stidham $5M in full guarantees. While it's not a lot of money, it's still more than I would give to a player with a small sample size of work.

Contract Grade: D

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