Brooks: Stidham Signing Hints Sean Payton Won't 'Kowtow' to Wilson

Sean Payton definitely sent Russell Wilson a message by signing Jarrett Stidham. But what was it?

The Denver Broncos have been the big ballers of free agency in 2023. In the Broncos' first offseason since the Walton/Penner group purchased the team, the ownership quickly showed it would not hold back spending top dollar on players on the open market.

The Broncos were also afforded a lot of salary-cap space and flexibility due to the current construction of the roster. Regardless, Denver appears to have tried to spend to compensate for its lack of draft capital this offseason.

Most of the discussion surrounding the Broncos’ offseason shopping spree rightfully encompasses the additions across the line of scrimmage. Acquiring two starting offensive linemen and an inside-outside defensive lineman should help Denver become a more physical team up front in 2023 and play a tougher style of football under head coach Sean Payton.

While the additions along the trenches should help the Broncos immediately, don’t overlook the addition of 26-year-old quarterback Jarrett Stidham, who was recently highlighted by NBC Sports’ Peter King.

NFL Network’s Bucky Brooks further drew attention to Denver’s backup quarterback acquisition, listing him as a player fans shouldn't overlook.

Perhaps the former Raider simply joined a division rival to fill the backup role, but Russell Wilson’s struggles in 2022 make the fifth-year pro an intriguing insurance policy for Sean Payton. Stidham’s IQ, arm talent, and promising flashes as a spot starter for Las Vegas undoubtedly raised his profile as a developmental player with QB1 potential. Although Wilson’s hefty contract makes it nearly impossible for Denver to swiftly unload him if his woes continue, Stidham gives the Broncos a viable option if Payton needs to make a change in order to spark the offense. Furthermore, this signing proves the new coach isn’t going to kowtow to the team’s highest-paid player. Not surprising when it comes to Payton, but he is indeed the head man, and this is his show.

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With a personal relationship with Denver’s quarterbacks’ coach Davis Mills and a player hand-picked by Payton, perhaps there is some smoke to the Stidham hype embers in Denver. Stidham is also a big fan of Payton, naming the Broncos’ new head coach as one of the biggest reasons for signing with Denver over other offers.

“Obviously, [I have] been a huge fan of him and his time in New Orleans," Stidham told the team website. "That was probably the main reason, just getting to play under him, getting to work with him every day. I'm very, very excited about that." 

Signing a two-year, $10 million contract, Stidham is receiving legitimate backup money from Denver, but with Wilson’s struggles in 2022, perhaps there is an avenue where the No. 2 guy takes over in 2023.

Despite falling to the fourth round in the 2019 NFL draft, Stidham has always been considered a supremely talented quarterback with immense arm talent. Dating back to the Pro Day circuit, his personal quarterback coach at the time, Jordan Palmer, raved to me about Stidham’s arm talent, using superlatives like “special, smoother, and powerful.”

Stidham flashed that ability to close out the Las Vegas Raiders’ 2022 season after the team put former quarterback Derek Carr on ice to protect itself from injury guarantees before releasing him this offseason. Could the same set of circumstances happen in Denver? 

Wilson’s $37 million base salary is fully guaranteed and only protected for injury. The Broncos could bench him to close out next season if the veteran’s play does not improve. 

Not an ideal situation and perhaps not overly likely, but a reality worth discussing as 2023 progresses. Stidham landing in Denver could be a relatively small move in the grand scheme of the offseason.

However, with the question marks surrounding the Broncos’ quarterback room, Wilson’s contract, and what Payton wants to do with his team in Denver (emphasis on his team), Stidham might have a more significant role with the 2023 Broncos than most people thought at first glance.

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