The Denver Broncos have confirmed Bo Nix will take the helm as the starting quarterback for the 2024 season, as announced by head coach Sean Payton on Wednesday.
Nix emerged as the leading candidate among three players vying for the starting role. Although Jarett Stidham took the initial snaps in the first preseason game, he quickly transitioned out to allow Nix to lead the offense, where he engaged with the first-team lineup. Zach Wilson also had a brief appearance in the preseason finale against the Colts with Denver’s backup players. Stidham wrapped up the previous season as Denver’s starter, while Wilson, a former first-round pick, was acquired during the offseason after struggling in previous seasons with the Jets.
Payton noted, “I spoke with George (Paton) and Greg (Penner) about how decisions often make themselves over time, and we’re not rushing to conclusions. For the team’s sake, it’s crucial to approach it thoughtfully. He has excelled, but there is still significant room for improvement.” He also mentioned that Nix would have Stidham, Wilson, and others as resources as the season progresses.
As the Broncos prepare to conclude the preseason against the Arizona Cardinals at 1:30 p.m. MST, Payton did not clarify Nix’s status for the matchup, although prior to naming him the starter, Nix was listed as the third quarterback on the depth chart.
The 24-year-old Nix was selected in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft and comes off a standout year with the Oregon Ducks, where he was nominated for the Heisman Trophy. As a five-year starter at the collegiate level, he earned the Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Year title last season, throwing for 4,508 yards and 45 touchdowns while only throwing three interceptions. Additionally, he contributed 234 rushing yards and six touchdowns, demonstrating his dual-threat capability.
Payton remarked on Nix’s maturity, attributing it to experiences during the COVID-19 period that have shaped players differently. In his first two preseason games, Nix holds a passer rating of 116.7, currently ranking second among all quarterbacks, with 205 passing yards and two touchdowns from 23 successful completions out of 30 attempts.
However, Payton indicated that regardless of the promotion, Nix’s starting position is not guaranteed for the entire season.