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Russinni says teams are interested in Stidham as a possible starting option for 2026 after he started the AFC title game against the Patriots, completing 17 of 31 attempts for 133 yards, one touchdown, and one interception in a 10-7 loss. Stidham, a longtime favorite of head coach Sean Payton, is under contract through the 2026 season. It would be surprising to see the Broncos part ways with their backup quarterback unless a team gets aggressive in acquiring Stidham for whatever reason.

Stidham’s best play of the game came on the Broncos’ second possession, when he caught the Patriots defense sleeping and aired out a 52-yard completion to Marvin Mims on a third-and-ten. Stidham would follow up that play two plays later with a six-yard touchdown pass to Courtland Sutton to give the Broncos their only points on the day. A controversial fumble on a backwards pass by Stidham late in the second quarter put the Patriots in prime position to score their only touchdown of the game, and a late interception in the fourth quarter officially sealed the Broncos’ fate. Stidham did what he could against a stout Patriots defense, but the added wrinkle of snowy elements in the second half further amplified his struggles. Sunday’s game marked the first time since 2023 that Stidham attempted a pass in a meaningful NFL game. The veteran quarterback remains under contract through the 2026 season and is unlikely to go anywhere this offseason.

Payton on Sunday said Stidham — who will start the AFC title game with Bo Nix (ankle) sidelined — has “a lot to his ball” and has consistently demonstrated a strong arm in practice. Stidham on 197 regular season attempts over six seasons has completed 59.5 percent of his throws and averaged a decent 7.2 yards per attempt. It’s possible Stidham can manage the Denver offense well enough to make the Broncos competitive against whoever they play in the AFC title game in Denver. He likely won’t be asked to do much, however. Stidham hasn’t thrown a regular season pass since 2023.

Stidham has not thrown an NFL pass since 2023, but after the jaw-dropping reveal that Bo Nix (ankle) will miss the remainder of the playoffs after breaking a bone deep in overtime, Payton announced that Stidham will start the AFC title game. Sam Ehlinger is the only other quarterback on the roster. Stidham has a 1-3 career record as a starter with a 59.4 percent completion rate, eight touchdowns, and eight interceptions. Whoever wins the Patriots/Texans game on Sunday will almost undoubtedly be favored next Sunday.

The Broncos’ No. 2 quarterback the past two seasons, Stidham was one of the first players coach Sean Payton signed in 2023. The job has become lower stakes following Bo Nix’s excellent 2024 rookie campaign, but Stidham still lacks the experience you would typically like in a clipboard holder. He has made only four career starts since arriving in the league in 2019. That being said, Payton clearly highly values Stidham’s input in the quarterback room. Just don’t expect him to save the season if Nix ever goes down.