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Kevin Seifert, ESPN writer
ORLANDO, Fla. — Since releasing quarterback Russell Wilson earlier this month, the Denver Broncos have not signed a replacement or upgraded their draft position to give them a better chance at selecting their next franchise player in the position. That inactivity might have created a level of concern for the fan base, but speaking Monday at the NFL’s annual meeting, coach Sean Payton made it clear that the buyout period is far from complete.
“I’d rather the heartbreak be now than in September and October,” Payton said.
Six NFL teams have signed free agent quarterbacks who could serve as starters in 2024, but the Broncos have held firm with 2023 backup Jarrett Stidham. Payton said that “we weren’t going to sign a quarterback just to sign one” and clarified that the franchise has not reached conclusions about Stidham’s potential as a future starter. He said it’s “realistic” to think the Broncos could trade their spot at No. 12 in next month’s draft and revealed they held a private workout with Michigan quarterback JJ McCarthy the day after his day professional.
“The draft is an element, and we’re in that phase now,” Payton said. “And yet, there are still some possibilities regarding the guys who are currently in this league or who have played in this league. I think we have a pretty good plan. We understand what we’re doing and we’re going to be smart about it. “
The Broncos signed Stidham last year to serve as Wilson’s backup and then started him in their final two games of the regular season. Payton said those two games didn’t fundamentally adjust the team’s evaluation of him, but he said he’s “definitely in the running” to be the starter in 2024.
“I just don’t think we’re there,” Payton said of knowing Stidham’s future. “And generally speaking, I think it’s something that the fans, the media and the coaches probably got there within a week or two of each other, but to be fair to him, I’m looking forward to seeing where that place is that we say, ‘It’s Well, that’s it.’ I don’t think we’ve seen it yet.”
However, the Broncos’ decision to arrange a private training session with McCarthy shows that they are serious about finding their next quarterback in the draft. According to Payton, team officials spent “four or five hours” with McCarthy and worked out their own release plan.
“It’s all part of the process and can help make at least one more efficient and effective decision,” Payton said.
McCarthy could go as high as third or fourth overall. While the New England Patriots might not be willing to trade their spot at the No. 3 spot, the Arizona Cardinals at the No. 4 spot might be a better option, and of Cardinals general manager Monti Ossenfort, Payton said, “It’s good to be Monti”. in Arizona today.”
On moving up that high in the draft, Payton added: “It’s hard to predict what that cost will be, and yet I certainly wouldn’t say it’s unrealistic and we’ll pay close attention to it.”
