Broncos Trade Proposal Has Them Sell High On 7th Year QB
The Denver Broncos‘ biggest surprise winner of the preseason – along with former fourth round wideout, Troy Franklin – has been backup quarterback, Jarrett Stidham.
Stidham leads the league in preseason quarterback rating, at a massive 143.0, and has the second most passing yards (376) and passing touchdowns (4) amongst participating QBs.
Given that Bo Nix is still very much the incumbent starter in Denver, the team could look to sell the former Patriot and Raider when his stock is at its highest – which could be right now.
Teams don’t put a ton of thought into preseason – and certainly nowhere near the extent they would the regular season – but Stidham’s impressive play, combined with his already-demonstrated capabilities in past regular seasons could have some teams looking beadily at the opportunity of adding him to their roster.
One major contender for his services could be the Cleveland Browns, who despite naming Joe Flacco as the starter for the 2025 season, still don’t feel set at the position.
In this trade proposal, the Browns bring in Jarrett Stidham to compete with Flacco for the starting role, whilst rookies Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders remain in the developmental roles on the roster.
In return, the Broncos would recoup current backup quarterback, Kenny Pickett, along with some draft capital.
Jarrett Stidham Has Been Turning Heads With Preseason Play
Pro Football Focus named Stidham one of the NFL’s emerging players coming out of the preseason and into the forthcoming regular season next month, noting that he could be moved for the right price.
“After signing an extension in March to back up Bo Nix through 2026, Stidham wasted no time showing what he could do in Sean Payton’s offense if called upon. He posted the highest PFF passing grade (90.0) among quarterbacks with 20 or more snaps so far this preseason, highlighted by his five-to-one big-time-throw-to-turnover-worthy-play ratio.
That showing could produce trade interest as the season wears on. Should other franchises run into injuries at quarterback, expect Denver brass to field some calls.”
Why Trading Stidham Now Makes Sense For Denver
Stidham has two years left on his backup deal, but that should be seen as a strength in a potential trade negotiation, not a reason for the team to feel forced to keep him in Colorado.
The Broncos have a young, up-and-coming team, who could sooner or later look to make a splash play in trade or free agency – in which case having as much trade capital as they can muster would make a lot of sense.
More broadly, Stidham’s stock is very high right now, and the Browns could see him as the temporary best one-year option for their otherwise dilapidated offensive setup. Head coach, Kevin Stefanski, might not be around if the team have another bad showing on offense in 2025, and will be fed up of below-par QB play that’s been a staple of the organization since Baker Mayfield bought the team a playoff win at the end of the 2020 season.
Pickett, when he returns from injury, figures to be a more than capable backup, and ensures that Nix remains comfortable in QB1 status. Stidham, on the other hand, gets a real shot of getting serious starting time in 2025 – and the Broncos also get picks in return.
Denver Broncos receive: Kenny Pickett, 2025 fifth round pick
Cleveland Browns receive: Jarrett Stidham
