And for the first time since the Hall of Fame quarterback retired, Denver has a long-term answer under center. However, with Nix suffering a fractured ankle in the divisional round game, the Broncos turn to backup Jarrett Stidham to face the Patriots.

Broncos players express faith in backup QB Jarrett Stidham after Bo Nix’s injury

From Trevor Siemian to Case Keenum to Nix, here’s a look at the Broncos’ different starting quarterbacks since Manning retired, who they are, how they fared in the role and where they are today.

Trevor Siemian

How he landed with the Broncos: Siemian was selected in the seventh round (250th pick overall) in 2015.

How he fared in Denver: Siemian played 25 games, making 24 starts for the Broncos and leading them to a 13-11 record. He completed 59.3% of his passes for 5,686 yards, 30 touchdowns and 24 interceptions. He was traded to the Vikings along with a 2018 seventh-round pick following the 2017 season for a 2019 fifth-round pick. The fifth-round pick was used to select linebacker Justin Hollins.

Where he is now: The 34-year-old journeyman was signed to the Tennessee Titans' practice squad following training camp and remained on it all season long. He made numerous stops in the years after Denver, including with the Vikings, Jets, Saints, Bears and Bengals.

Paxton Lynch

How he landed with the Broncos: The Memphis standout was selected in the first round (26th overall) of the 2016 NFL Draft. “He was the guy,” general manager John Elway said after selecting Lynch. “And we’re thrilled to have him.”

How he fared in Denver: Lynch didn’t live up to his first-round hype in Denver, playing just five games (starting four) in his two seasons with the Broncos. He had a 1-3 record while completing 61.7% of his passes for 792 yards, four touchdowns and four interceptions. He was cut before the start of the 2018 season.

Where he is now: Lynch, 31, signed with the Colorado Spartans of the National Arena League on Nov. 1.

Brock Osweiler

How he landed with the Broncos: Osweiler was originally selected in the second round (57th overall) of the 2012 NFL draft. Following the Super Bowl 50 win, he signed a four-year, $72 million deal with the Houston Texans. He was traded a year later to Cleveland but was released before the start of the 2018 season. Shortly after, he re-signed with Denver after Lynch suffered a shoulder injury.

How he fared in Denver: His second stint with the Broncos wasn’t as memorable as his first. He played in six games (starting four) and finished with an 0-4 record in his starts. He finished the year completing 55.8% of his passes for 1,088 yards, five touchdowns and five interceptions.

Where he is now: Osweiler, 35, retired from playing in 2019. He now works as a .

Case Keenum

How he landed with the Broncos: Keenum signed a two-year, $36 million deal before the start of the 2018 season.

How he fared in Denver: Keenum became the first Broncos quarterback to start every game in a season since Peyton Manning’s 2014 season. He opened strong, leading Denver to a 2-0 start, but the team finished the season 6-10. Keenum completed 62.3% of his passes for 3,890 yards, 18 touchdowns and 15 interceptions. He was traded along with a seventh-round pick to Washington for a sixth-round pick following the end of the season.

Where he is now: The 37-year-old signed a one-year deal with the Bears last April. He was the team's third-string quarterback behind Caleb Williams and Tyson Bagent.

Joe Flacco

How he landed with the Broncos: The former Super Bowl MVP was traded to Denver in February 2019 for a fourth-round draft pick.

How he fared in Denver: Flacco started eight games before the Broncos placed him on injured reserve for a herniated disc in his neck. Denver went 2-6 in his starts, where he completed 65.3% of his passes for 1,822 yards, six touchdowns and five interceptions.

Where he is now: Flacco, 41, finished the 2025 season as the backup quarterback for the Bengals. He opened the year as the Browns' starting quarterback after signing a one-year, $4 million contract. He was benched by Cleveland after four games in favor of rookie Dillon Gabriel. Later that week, he was traded to Cincinnati, where he took over the starting job until Joe Burrow returned in Week 16. He finished the year with a 60.3% passing percentage, throwing for 2,479 yards, 15 touchdowns and 10 interceptions.

Brandon Allen

How he landed with the Broncos: Allen was claimed off waivers from the Rams before the start of the 2019 season.

How he fared in Denver: He started in three games for the Broncos after Flacco suffered a season-ending injury in Week 9 of the 2019 season. He won his first game and lost the other two, completing 46.4% of his passes for 515 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions.

Where he is now: Allen, 33, signed a one-year, $1.42 million deal with the Titans before the 2025 season. He appeared in one game, completing 17 of 30 passes for 72 yards and an interception.

Drew Lock

How he landed with the Broncos: Lock was selected in the second round (42nd overall) of the 2019 NFL draft out of Missouri.

How he fared in Denver: Lock made his first start during his rookie season in Week 13. In his five starts, he helped the Broncos to a 4-1 record to close out the season. He started 13 games in 2020 and three in 2021. He finished his time in Denver with an 8-13 record, 59.3% completion percentage, 4,740 yards, 25 touchdowns and 20 interceptions.

Where he is now: Lock, 29, signed a two-year, $5 million contract last April to be Sam Darnold's backup in Seattle. It's his second stint with the Seahawks. He made five appearances, completing 2 of 3 passes for 15 yards this year.

Jeff Driskel

How he landed with the Broncos: Driskel signed as a free agent before the 2020 season.

How he fared in Denver: Driskel made his first appearance in Week 2 of the 2020 season after Drew Lock suffered a shoulder injury early in the game against the Steelers. He started in Week 3 in a losing effort to the Buccaneers but was pulled in the fourth quarter. In three appearances (one start), he completed 54.7% of his passes for 432 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions.

Where he is now: The 32-year-old signed with the Commanders in December off the Cardinals' practice squad after Marcus Mariota's injury. He did not play in 2025.

Brett Rypien

How he landed with the Broncos: Rypien signed as an undrafted free agent in 2019.

How he fared in Denver: The nephew of former Washington star quarterback Mark Rypien came on in relief of Jeff Driskel in Week 3 of the 2020 season during Denver’s loss to Tampa Bay. He earned the start in Week 4, leading the Broncos to a 37-28 road win against the Jets. He also had four appearances (two starts) in 2022, coming in for an injured Russell Wilson. In eight games (three starts) in Denver, he completed 61.5% of his passes for 778 yards, four touchdowns and nine interceptions.

Where he is now: Rypien, 29, opened the 2025 season on the Bengals' practice squad. He was promoted to the active roster after Joe Burrow's injury, but was released after Cincinnati traded for Joe Flacco. He signed with the Colts but was released in December. The Vikings picked him up off waivers a day later.

Kendall Hinton

How he landed with the Broncos: Hinton signed as an undrafted free agent in April 2020. He was waived before the start of the season, but signed to the practice squad that November.

How he fared in Denver: Hinton was a quarterback at Wake Forest but was projected to be a receiver in the NFL. He became the Broncos’ emergency starter in Week 12 of the 2020 season after all four of Denver’s quarterbacks were ruled ineligible to play due to COVID-19 protocol. While Phillip Lindsay technically started under center, Hinton was the team’s primary passer for the game. He completed 1 of 9 passes for 13 yards and two interceptions in a 31-3 loss to the Saints.

Where he is now: After emerging as a depth receiver for the Broncos from 2021-22 (39 catches for 486 yards and a touchdown), he was waived during training camp in August 2023. The 28-year-old is currently a free agent. He's also a , according to his Instagram.

Teddy Bridgewater

How he landed with the Broncos: Denver traded a 2021 sixth-round pick to the Panthers to acquire Bridgewater in April.

How he fared in Denver: The journeyman quarterback emerged as the team’s starter after beating out incumbent Drew Lock in the preseason. The Broncos’ record was 7-6 through his 13 starts. He has completed 66.9% of his passes for 3,052 yards, 18 touchdowns and seven interceptions.

Where is he now: The 33-year-old quarterback backed up Baker Mayfield for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2025. He had four appearances, completing 8 of 15 passes for 62 yards.

Russell Wilson

How he landed with the Broncos: In one of the biggest trades in Denver sports history, the Broncos traded for Wilson and a fourth-round draft pick in exchange for quarterback Drew Lock, tight end Noah Fant, defensive lineman Shelby Harris, two first-round picks, two second-round picks and a fifth-round pick.

How he fared in Denver: Before the 2024 season, Wilson had been the most stable starter for the Broncos since Peyton Manning retired. He started 30 games for Denver, completing 63.3% of his passes for 6,594 yards, 42 touchdowns and 19 interceptions. The Broncos compiled an 11-19 record during that span. In addition, he and his wife, Ciara, bought a $25 million mansion in Cherry Hills Village (and sold it for $21.5 million).

Where he is now: Wilson, 37, signed a one-year, $10.5 million deal with the Giants before the 2025 season. He opened the season as New York's starter but was benched in favor of Jaxson Dart following an 0-3 start. He later fell to the No. 3 spot behind Jameis Winston. He completed 69 of 119 passes for 831 yards, three touchdowns and three interceptions.

Jarrett Stidham

How he landed with the Broncos: Stidham signed a two-year, $10 million contract in March 2023. He signed a two-year, $12 million extension prior to the 2025 season.

How he fared (so far) in Denver: Stidham, 29, made his first start in Week 17 of the 2023 season against the Chargers. In three appearances (two starts), he's completed 60.6% of his passes for 496 yards, two touchdowns and an interception. He beat out Zach Wilson to be the team's backup in 2024.

Where he is now: He's spent the last two seasons as Denver's backup quarterback to Nix. He'll be the Broncos starter on Sunday against his former team, the Patriots, in the AFC Championship game.

Bo Nix

How he landed with the Broncos: Nix was selected in the first round (12th pick overall) in the 2024 NFL draft out of Oregon.

How he fared (so far) in Denver: The 25-year-old has led Denver to back-to-back playoff appearances since getting drafted. He's started 34 regular-season games, completing 64.8% of his passes for 7,706 yards, 54 touchdowns and 23 interceptions. He also has 786 yards rushing and nine touchdowns in his career. His win over the Bills in the AFC divisional round was just Denver's second playoff victory by a quarterback they had drafted, joining Tim Tebow.

Where he is now: He is Denver's starting quarterback but is out for the season after suffering a fractured ankle in the AFC divisional round.

SEATTLE (AP) — Philip Rivers fought back tears as he considered what message it would send to his sons, or the young men he has coached, that he nearly led the Indianapolis Colts to victory at age 44.

“There is doubt, and it’s real,” Rivers said, choking up briefly. “The guaranteed safe bet is to go home or to not go for it, and the other one is, ‘Shoot, let’s see what happens.’ I hope in that sense that can be a positive to some young boys, or young people.”

Rivers ended a nearly five-year retirement to start Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks and played efficient football for the desperate Colts, who turned to the future Hall of Famer after Daniel Jones was lost for the season with a torn Achilles tendon.

He in the first half, played mostly mistake-free and moved the Colts into position for Blake Grupe’s 60-yard field goal with 47 seconds left. But Jason Myers responded with a 56-yarder that gave the Seahawks .

It was a remarkable day for a grandfather who’s spent the past few years coaching high school football in his native Alabama.

Rivers took a few hard hits from the Seahawks’ stout defense, and he even enjoyed them.

“I never minded that part of it,” Rivers said. “My wife always tells me I’m crazy because there’s been times in the last three or four years I said, ‘I wish I could just throw one and get hit – hard.’”

This wasn’t a novelty act, as it may have seemed when the Colts signed to their practice squad less than a week ago. Coach Shane Steichen’s Colts, who began the season 7-1 but are trying to stop a second-half collapse, knew what they were getting out of the veteran.

Rivers finished 18 of 27 for 120 yards with a touchdown and an interception, with the pick coming on his final pass as he tried to force the ball down the field in the closing seconds.

“I was just thankful — grateful — that I was out there,” Rivers said. “And it was a blast — it was a blast — but obviously the emotions now are disappointment. This isn’t about me. We have a team scrapping like crazy to try and stay alive and get into the postseason.”

The Colts (8-6) have dropped four straight and five of six, and they are outside the AFC playoff picture with three games left. They trail both Jacksonville and Houston in the AFC South.

Steichen called a conservative game, relying on running the ball and controlling the clock. Rivers threw mostly short passes to the outside, checkdowns and screens.

“He went out there and gave us a chance to win it,” Steichen said.

Rivers took two sacks, and he showed his age on the first one. He stumbled while evading pressure from Boye Mafe, got up, then fell again.

Rivers pumped his right fist and let out a roar after throwing an 8-yard touchdown pass to Josh Downs with 1:33 remaining in the first half to put the Colts up 13-3.

It was Rivers’ first touchdown pass since he threw a 27-yarder to Jack Doyle in the Colts’ 27-24 loss to Buffalo in a wild-card playoff game on Jan. 9, 2021. He also became the fifth player in NFL history to throw a TD pass at age 44 or older, joining Tom Brady, George Blanda, Steve DeBerg and Vinny Testaverde.

“It’s been 1,800 days since I’ve thrown a touchdown — or interception for that matter. So we have both those (boxes) checked,” Rivers said.

Rivers was chosen last month as one of 26 semifinalists for the Hall of Fame’s class of 2026 but will now have his eligibility delayed. A player must be out of the league for at least five years before his candidacy can be considered. The earliest Rivers can be a candidate is for the class of 2031.

He ranks among the top 10 in NFL history in wins, attempts, completions, yards passing, touchdown passes and 300-yard games.

Since his retirement, he’s been coaching at St. Michael Catholic High School in Fairhope, Alabama, where the team held a watch party on Sunday. Rivers’ players were on his mind as he returned to the NFL.

“Maybe it will inspire or teach not to run or be scared of what may or may not happen,” Rivers said.

___

AP NFL:

“You don’t think Mike Shanahan wasn’t in those team meeting rooms telling us that we’re a Super Bowl team? Yes, he was,” Davis, the Broncos icon and Hall-of-Fame running back, told me earlier this week at Foothills Golf Course. “Now, if you say it, if some coaches say it, even the players don’t believe it, let’s be honest. When Sean says it? You listen.

“You believe what he’s telling you because he’s drawing from his experience. He’s seen what Super Bowl teams look like. So I’m taking a lot of stock when my coach says, ‘I’ve seen six or seven teams that were Super Bowl-contending teams. This is one of them.’ Man, I’m taking that to the bank.”

The problem isn’t saying the quiet part out loud. Did Payton have to scream it?

Shanahan writing it on a white board is one thing. is the sort of neon sign they can read from Prairie Village, Kan., to

Bo Nix, the Broncos’ second-year quarterback, got chucked into the deep end by Payton last fall. Paxton Lynch sank. Drew Lock and Brett Rypien were eaten by sharks. Nix swam Denver back to the playoffs for the first time since Peyton Manning retired.

Now, after just 18 NFL starts, you’re asking him to beat Michael Phelps to the other end of the pool and back?

“Bo’s not on the team by himself,” Davis countered. “Everybody’s on the team.

“You have to understand, (the ’90s Broncos) went three years where we were the hunted. Did we care about the pressure? Yeah, we knew there was pressure there. Pressure is an interesting word. Sometimes it’s self-produced. Sometimes it comes from the public. But you play a pro sport. Why wouldn’t you expect to win a Super Bowl? And it’s OK if people know that’s what your intentions are.

“Last I checked, the Chiefs were expecting to win the Super Bowl the last five, six years. I don’t see them folding and crumbling under the pressure.”

Sunshine Sean’s schtick reminds TD of the Broncos’ leap under Shanahan from 8-8 in 1995 to 13-3 in 1996. The rest is Mile High history: Davis, 52, helped John Elway carry Denver to back-to-back Super Bowl victories in 1997 and 1998. The California native ran for 1,750 yards and 15 scores for the 12-4 Broncos in 1997, then took home NFL MVP honors in ’98 after 2,008 regular-season rushing yards and 23 scores.

This past Monday, TD teamed up with a different legend, World Golf Hall of Famer Annika Sorenstam,

Roughly 100 kids beat the heat to tee off with Davis and Sorenstam. “Golf with Us,” which aims to lower the barriers of entry via rounds priced at $5 or less, had more than 1,500 Colorado kids registered as of Tuesday.

“Golf and football mimic life,” Davis said. “And it’s the same things that I talk to my kids about. If you want to do something, there’s a certain amount of work you have to put in to get that.

“You also have to realize you’ve got to be resilient. Because when you go on that tee box, you tee off, you hit that ball, and then the first drive goes left and it’s out of bounds, you’ve got to be able to wipe all those thoughts out and be like, ‘I’ve got to reset. I can’t worry about that. I’ve got to be able to bounce back.’ It’s the same thing in sports, same thing in life. So it rewards those who bounce back quickly. That’s what golf is all about.”

Like golf, the shortest path in getting from good to great in the AFC West runs between the ears. Which is why TD thinks Payton’s madness could play out like a stroke of genius.

Those 10 wins last year might be banked in the hearts of ����apountry forever. To the rest of the league, they don’t carry over. You’re 0-0, baby. You need a new mission. A new mantra.

“I love the fact that (Payton) said that,” Davis said. “I love the fact, man. The difference between the team we had in ’95 and ’96 (was) the way we thought. Our mentality was the only thing that changed from the year before.”

And for the first time since the Hall of Fame quarterback retired, Denver looks like it has a long-term answer under center.

From Trevor Siemian to Case Keenum to Nix, here’s a look at the Broncos’ different quarterbacks during that span, who they are, how they fared in the role and where they are today.

Trevor Siemian

How he landed with the Broncos: Siemian was selected in the seventh round (250th pick overall) in 2015.

How he fared in Denver: Siemian played 25 games, making 24 starts for the Broncos and leading them to a 13-11 record. He completed 59.3% of his passes for 5,686 yards, 30 touchdowns and 24 interceptions. He was traded to the Vikings along with a 2018 seventh-round pick following the 2017 season for a 2019 fifth-round pick. The fifth-round pick was used to select linebacker Justin Hollins.

Where he is now: The 33-year-old journeyman was signed to the Tennessee Titan’s practice squad in October. He made numerous stops in the years after Denver, including with the Vikings, Jets, Saints, Bears and Bengals.

Paxton Lynch

How he landed with the Broncos: The Memphis standout was selected in the first round (26th overall) of the 2016 NFL draft. “He was the guy,” general manager John Elway said after selecting Lynch. “And we’re thrilled to have him.”

How he fared in Denver: Lynch didn’t live up to his first-round hype in Denver, playing just five games (starting four) in his two seasons with the Broncos. He had a 1-3 record while completing 61.7% of his passes for 792 yards, four touchdowns and four interceptions. He was cut before the start of the 2018 season.

Where he is now: Lynch, 30, last played professionally with the San Antonio Brahmas of the XFL after the Orlando Guardians waived him on April 5, 2023, following an 0-5 start.

Brock Osweiler

How he landed with the Broncos: Osweiler was originally selected in the second round (57th overall) of the 2012 NFL draft. Following the Super Bowl 50 win, he signed a four-year, $72 million deal with the Houston Texans. He was traded a year later to Cleveland but was released before the start of the 2018 season. Shortly after, he re-signed with Denver after Lynch suffered a shoulder injury.

How he fared in Denver: His second stint with the Broncos wasn’t as memorable as his first. He played in six games (starting four) and finished with an 0-4 record in his starts. He finished the year completing 55.8% of his passes for 1,088 yards, five touchdowns and five interceptions.

Where he is now: Osweiler, 34, retired from playing in 2019. He now works as a .

Case Keenum

How he landed with the Broncos: Keenum signed a two-year, $36 million deal before the start of the 2018 season.

How he fared in Denver: Keenum became the first Broncos quarterback to start every game in a season since Peyton Manning’s 2014 season. He opened strong, leading Denver to a 2-0 start, but the team finished the season 6-10. Keenum completed 62.3% of his passes for 3,890 yards, 18 touchdowns and 15 interceptions. He was traded along with a seventh-round pick to Washington for a sixth-round pick following the end of the season.

Where he is now: The 36-year-old signed a two-year deal with the Texans — his first team in the NFL — before the 2023 season. He was placed on the injured list prior to the start of this season.

Joe Flacco

How he landed with the Broncos: The former Super Bowl MVP was traded to Denver in February 2019 for a fourth-round draft pick.

How he fared in Denver: Flacco started eight games before the Broncos placed him on injured reserve for a herniated disc in his neck. Denver went 2-6 in his starts, where he completed 65.3% of his passes for 1,822 yards, six touchdowns and five interceptions.

Where he is now: Flacco, 39, appeared in eight games for the Colts this season. He went 2-4 in his six starts, completing 65.3% of his passes for 1,761 yards, 12 touchdowns and seven interceptions.

Brandon Allen

How he landed with the Broncos: Allen was claimed off waivers from the Rams prior to the start of the 2019 season.

How he fared in Denver: He started in three games for the Broncos after Flacco suffered a season-ending injury in Week 9 of the 2019 season. He won his first game and lost the other two, completing 46.4% of his passes for 515 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions.

Where he is now: Allen, 32, has been with the 49ers since 2023 and was Brock Purdy’s backup during the 2024 season. He appeared in three games with one start. He completed 17 of 30 passes (56.7%) for 199 yards, a touchdown and two interceptions.

Drew Lock

How he landed with the Broncos: Lock was selected in the second round (42nd overall) of the 2019 NFL draft out of Missouri.

How he fared in Denver: Lock made his first start during his rookie season in Week 13. In his five starts, he helped the Broncos to a 4-1 record to close out the season. He started 13 games in 2020 and three in 2021. He finished his time in Denver with an 8-13 record, 59.3% completion percentage, 4,740 yards, 25 touchdowns and 20 interceptions.

Where he is now: Lock, 28, signed a one-year, $5 million deal with the Giants in March. He finished the season as New York’s starter after Daniel Jones was released and Tommy DeVito was injured. In eight games (five starts), he completed 59.1% of his passes for 1,071 yards, six touchdowns and five interceptions. He had a 1-4 record during that span.

Jeff Driskel

How he landed with the Broncos: Driskel signed as a free agent before the 2020 season.

How he fared in Denver: Driskel made his first appearance in Week 2 of the 2020 season after Drew Lock suffered a shoulder injury early in the game against the Steelers. He started in Week 3 in a losing effort to the Buccaneers but was pulled in the fourth quarter. In three appearances (one start), he completed 54.7% of his passes for 432 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions.

Where he is now: The 31-year-old signed with the Commanders in April. He is the third-string quarterback behind starter Jayden Daniels and Marcus Mariota.

Brett Rypien

How he landed with the Broncos: Rypien signed as an undrafted free agent in 2019.

How he fared in Denver: The nephew of former Washington star quarterback Mark Rypien came on in relief of Jeff Driskel in Week 3 of the 2020 season during Denver’s loss to Tampa Bay. He earned the start in Week 4, leading the Broncos to a 37-28 road win against the Jets. He also had four appearances (two starts) in 2022, coming in for an injured Russell Wilson. In eight games (three starts) in Denver, he completed 61.5% of his passes for 778 yards, four touchdowns and nine interceptions.

Where he is now: Rypien, 28, signed with the Vikings prior to the start of the 2024 season. He was on Monday to make room for Daniel Jones.

Kendall Hinton

How he landed with the Broncos: Hinton signed as an undrafted free agent in April 2020. He was waived before the start of the season, but signed to the practice squad that November.

How he fared in Denver: Hinton was a quarterback at Wake Forest but was projected to be a receiver in the NFL. He became the Broncos’ emergency starter in Week 12 of the 2020 season after all four of Denver’s quarterbacks were ruled ineligible to play due to COVID-19 protocol. While Phillip Lindsay technically started under center, Hinton was the team’s primary passer for the game. He completed 1 of 9 passes for 13 yards and two interceptions in a 31-3 loss to the Saints.

Where he is now: After emerging as a depth receiver for the Broncos from 2021-22 (39 catches for 486 yards and a touchdown), he was waived during training camp in August 2023. The 27-year-old is currently a free agent. He’s also a , according to his Instagram.

Teddy Bridgewater

How he landed with the Broncos: Denver traded a 2021 sixth-round pick to the Panthers to acquire Bridgewater in April.

How he fared in Denver: The journeyman quarterback emerged as the team’s starter after beating out incumbent Drew Lock in the preseason. The Broncos’ record was 7-6 through his 13 starts. He has completed 66.9% of his passes for 3,052 yards, 18 touchdowns and seven interceptions.

Where is he now: The 32-year-old quarterback had temporarily retired and became a head coach at this alma mater, Miami Northwestern Senior High School, leading the team to a state championship this past season. He came out of retirement to rejoin the Lions as Jared Goff’s backup in December.

Russell Wilson

How he landed with the Broncos: In one of the biggest trades in Denver sports history, the Broncos traded for Wilson and a fourth-round draft pick in exchange for quarterback Drew Lock, tight end Noah Fant, defensive lineman Shelby Harris, two first-round picks, two second-round picks and a fifth-round pick.

How he fared in Denver: Prior to the 2024 season, Wilson had been the most stable starter for the Broncos since Peyton Manning retired. He started 30 games for Denver, completing 63.3% of his passes for 6,594 yards, 42 touchdowns and 19 interceptions. The Broncos compiled an 11-19 record during that span. In addition, he and his wife, Ciara, bought a $25 million mansion in Cherry Hills Village (and sold it for $21.5 million).

Where he is now: The 36-year-old was released by the Broncos in March and signed a one-year contract with the Steelers. He beat out Justin Field for the starting job and led the team to a playoff berth. He started 11 games for Pittsburgh and compiled a 6-5 record, while completing 63.7% of his passes for 2,482 yards, 16 touchdowns and five interceptions.

Jarrett Stidham

How he landed with the Broncos: Stidham signed a two-year, $10 million contract in March 2023.

How he fared (so far) in Denver: Stidham, 28, made his first start in Week 17 of the 2023 season against the Chargers. In three appearances (two starts), he’s completed 60.6% of his passes for 496 yards, two touchdowns and an interception. He beat out Zach Wilson to be the team’s backup in 2024.

Where he is now: He is Denver’s backup quarterback to Nix.

Bo Nix

How he landed with the Broncos: Nix was selected in the first round (12th pick overall) in the 2024 NFL draft out of Oregon.

How he fared (so far) in Denver: The 24-year-old had a stellar rookie season in Denver, leading the team to its first playoff berth since the Peyton Manning era. He had a 10-7 record in 17 starts, completing 66.3% of his passes for 3,775 yards, 29 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. He also had 92 carries for 492 yards and four touchdowns. And he caught a 2-yard touchdown pass from receiver Courtland Sutton.

Where he is now: He is Denver’s starting quarterback.

You can draw a line from that Christmas Day game to Sunday. Win, and the Broncos are in the playoffs. Penner rescued the Broncos by hiring Sean Payton. He established a culture and created accountability, but as Denver sits on the doorstep of its first postseason appearance since 2015, questions persist about Payton’s mindset.

The Broncos reached this position because they set a single-season sack record, boast the favorite for Defensive Player of the Year in Patrick Surtain II and have a quarterback in Bo Nix who has been at his best when it matters most.

But what about their coach? He deserves credit for getting the Broncos here, but are we sure that he is a walking mismatch on the sidelines anymore?

He was when the season began. He convinced a team of kids and castoffs that they could defy expectations, becoming the singular voice in their heads.

He is the unquestioned compass. But is it fair to ask for better? Heck yeah.

Payton has raised questions with his waffling down the stretch. Against the Chargers, he remained unnecessarily aggressive before halftime after a 3-yard loss on a completion to Javonte Williams. The Chargers did not call time out, and the Broncos — let����ap be real — were not driving 50 yards in 17 seconds to set up a field goal with a horizontal passing attack. But they pushed forward, prompting the Chargers to stop the clock and, after a bad penalty by Tremon Smith, cash in three points on the first converted free kick since 1976.

The explanation from Payton was simple: You always look to score. Stay aggressive. Grrrrr.

So what happened last Saturday? A clenched fist was the choice against the Chargers, but courage vanished against the Bengals. Payton elected not to go for the two-point conversion to win the game in regulation.

Analytics offered equal support for either choice, but Payton’s decision was remarkable because of who he is. He admitted this week he second-guessed it. A tie would have clinched a playoff berth, and he indicated that figured into his choice. That would have made sense on most Sundays, but the idea that the Broncos could play even with Cincinnati’s Joe Burrow for 10 minutes seemed incredibly optimistic, if not delusional.

The Broncos should have won with a first down on their last possession, but the fallout from the game is that Payton was not comfortable following his gut.

He needs to figure out who he is and settle back in. The Broncos are not good enough to win without him providing an edge on the headsets. He did that multiple times at Cincinnati with well-designed passing concepts and, at one point, talking an official into calling an illegal shift.

The Broncos need that guy. They cannot have him run hot and cold. There is no easing his burden. He signed up for this hazmat project, cleaning up the nuclear mess left by Hackett.

But recent results have raised eyebrows. Payton is too good, too experienced to have his acumen be the first thing questioned after losses.

In fairness, he is in a tough spot, one unique in his career. He has never coached a rookie quarterback or had an offense with so little room for error. It has left him too dependent on Nix, with Payton falling into the trap of believing the kid is Drew Brees. With Brees, there was only one speed. Hurry, hurry, hurry.

That mindset does not mesh with the Broncos’ current personnel. Laugh at the Pro Bowl selections if you wish — Zach Allen’s snub was a travesty — but it revealed a sobering truth: The Broncos did not have a single offensive skill player make fifth alternate in the voting by fans, coaches and players.

They lack playmakers at tight end and running back, and they need a No. 1 receiver — Is it too soon for me to bring up Tee Higgins again as I did in October? — to pair with Courtland Sutton.

It has left Payton conflicted. He has plays he knows will work, but he doesn’t have the players to execute them. And in the absence of a trustworthy run game — he has not had a single 100-yard rusher since he took over in Denver — he leans too heavily on Nix.

Per Next Gen Stats, Nix ranks seventh in dropbacks this season with 610, second most among rookies to Chicago’s Caleb Williams. Out of 17 quarterbacks with 500-plus dropbacks, only Williams, C.J. Stroud and Aaron Rodgers have lower expected points added (an advanced statistic to measure how well a team performs on a play-to-play basis) than Nix.

Payton knows Nix can handle responsibility. But if you look at those around him, it is not a fair ask.

When Payton is in his bag, the Broncos look like a playoff team, crushing the entire NFC South and rallying past the Browns and Colts.

When he’s not? The Broncos are incapable of beating a good team.

Payton was brought in to give the Broncos a fresh start. He has succeeded. Now, he needs to recalibrate. These are not the Saints. There is not one simple solution: be aggressive or be passive.

The answer with this team lies in the in-between, and luckily for Payton, he has another chance to show he understands this by delivering his most significant victory Sunday.

Coach Sean Payton thought so little of Wilson’s style that he decided he would rather take an $85 million cap hit than continue playing him.

He now has his guy in Bo Nix. He likes his size, mind, accuracy and spartan backpack. Nix opened rookie mini-camp Friday wearing No. 10 – Zach Wilson switched to No. 4 and Jarrett Stidham will don No. 8 – and began his journey to the starting lineup.

It presents an interesting question: What is a good rookie season for Nix? Statistically, I say 21 touchdowns, 11 interceptions, and 3,100 yards in 15 games. If he starts fewer games, then I want prorated numbers on the same trajectory. Start, stay healthy, show flashes of toughness, magic, while possessing the hardware and software.

Currently, Nix represents hope. When the season ends, hope must evolve into belief. That will qualify as success that the quarterback, coach and franchise have reached an important mile marker on the road to redemption.

The Rockies remain haunted by Kris Bryant����ap $182 million contract. It is becoming increasingly obvious that Bryant����ap best days are behind him, something the industry suspected when the Rockies showered him with ridiculous money following the trade of Nolan Arenado. While giving the next four months to rebound, I believe the Rockies should cut him at season’s end, eating $108 million. …

There is so much fuss about the CU Buffs carousel of players moving in and out of the transfer portal. I don’t get caught up in the star rankings of players. My concern? Can the offensive line develop chemistry quickly enough to allow the team to run the ball? Different doesn’t mean better if CU throws 50 times a game. …

I did not have Shaquille O’Neal beefing with Broncos Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe on my bingo card, but here we are. Sharpe believes Shaq is jealous of Nikola Jokic’s three MVPs — Shaq won one — and that is why Shaq told Joker that Shai Gilgeous-Alexander deserved the top honor this season. Shaq explained that Sharpe wasn’t worthy of commenting because he was not Top 10 at his position all-time, citing a Gil Brandt list. I love Brandt. Sharpe is easily a top-five tight end, and O’Neal continues to look petty. …

Alexander Georgiev’s resurgence is encouraging, but Valeri Nichushkin’s rocket-fueled playoff run is inspiring thoughts of another Stanley Cup title. Nichushkin has scored in all seven games, matching Pat LaFontaine’s record set in 1992 as the longest streak to start the playoffs. …

Gladys Knight had the Pips. Jalen Brunson has the ‘Cats. The Villanova infusion on the New York Knicks has produced spectacular results with Donte DiVincenzo and Josh Hart teaming with Brunson. Brunson finished 11th in the Most Improved Player voting two years ago and fifth in the MVP voting this season. Hard not to admire his game.

MAIL TIME

Why the big secret on when the NFL schedule gets revealed? Why can’t it just be the second Thursday in May? 

Jason Whitaker, via Twitter

The NFL creates drama better than the Housewives reality franchise. The league’s ability to drop news and hog attention remains unrivaled. In this case, there is a belief that it coincides with network programming announcements, making it a moving target in May. The NFL loves to tease with a few revealed games before dropping the full schedule, which happens on Wednesday. Again, it keeps the league in the headlines 11-plus months out of the year. There are three Broncos games of particular interest to me: home vs. Pittsburgh and at the Saints and Jets.

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Let����ap start there with why the Broncos enter Thursday’s NFL draft still searching for a franchise quarterback eight years after Peyton Manning retired.

There have been 13 starters since Super Bowl 50, tied for second most behind the Cleveland Browns. Only two have produced a winning record: Trevor Siemien (13-11) and Brett Rypien (2-1).

Lynch and Russell Wilson represent the franchise’s most dramatic failures, moves that shook the franchise to its roots because of the scramble for replacements and financial shrapnel left in their wake. Roughly half the teams in the NFL remain tortured by the process of how to identify and land a quarterback.

The good news for the Broncos is that the draft provides a golden opportunity for coach Sean Payton to find his next Drew Brees. The Broncos’ next starter could define Payton’s legacy in Denver, where he arrived last offseason with a reputation as a quarterback whisperer.

But, there is no guarantee that after all the flights, meetings, film sessions and internal discussions, the Broncos will get this right. The last time the Broncos drafted a quarterback in the first round in 2016, Lynch turned into a punchline. As the Broncos consider their options, it’s important to let the past inform the future, providing hacks for success and pitfalls to avoid.

In Lynch’s case, former general manager John Elway moved up in the draft to acquire the Memphis star, lured by his athleticism, size and potential. Too bad Lynch had never been in a huddle. Or under center. His mind raced whenever he tried to operate coach Gary Kubiak’s offense.

A new coach in Vance Joseph and new offensive coordinator in Mike McCoy could not make it work either, and in 2018 Lynch was cut.

“You got burned because you bought one new car in the last 13,” said Super Bowl 50 champion and CBS NFL analyst Ryan Harris. “Then you got various versions of used cars. Now, it����ap time to look for the new hybrid. From the outside looking in, the idea of Payton finding his next guy is exciting.”

The Broncos have tried almost everything with disappointing results. There was the aforementioned late first-rounder , the seventh-rounder Siemian, the Day 2 dare , the rising veteran Case Keenum, the castaways with glorious pasts (Joe Flacco and Teddy Bridgewater) and the savior in Wilson. They all had their moments, but none met expectations.

“We get too enamored with the best athletes or the big throws,” said 104.3 The Fan host and Fox NFL color commentator Mark Schlereth. “You know what works? Boring wins football games. Boring keeps you on schedule. That����ap what I want to see out of their next quarterback.”

The Broncos have never selected a quarterback in the top 10. Since February, rumblings persist that Payton will move up in an attempt to select from the trio of LSU’s Jayden Daniels, North Carolina’s Drake Maye and Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy. If Daniels and McCarthy are available when picks three and four roll around, will the Broncos cut in line and mortgage multiple first-round picks? Payton still talks with regret about not trading up for Patrick Mahomes in 2017. Payton has intel on Daniels from his LSU connections, and he ran McCarthy through a long workout and meeting session.

“Sean is a hard ass. J.J. never complains. He will walk the path needed to win,” said former Broncos tight end and Big Ten commentator Jake Butt. “In Denver, you need a quarterback who can come in there, not give a crap and not get caught up in the headlines. That����ap who J.J. is.”

The most important thing for a rookie quarterback, arguably, is the team that drafts him. It is one of several elements — evaluation, singular organizational vision, strong offensive line, offensive weapons — that can determine whether a drafted quarterback reaches his ceiling or gets swept away on the cutting-room floor.

It starts with the draft evaluation. Payton believes the Broncos are better at it than most, talking confidently about their vetting process. There is no singular template to follow, no Staples Easy Button to push for answers.

“I have been doing this for the last three years and it����ap hard,” said former Broncos quarterback and current 49ers quarterback coach Brian Griese. “The college game, less and less, does not translate into what they are asked to do in the NFL. You really have to extrapolate and project, and understand who they are mentally. Can they handle being the guy? And you have to form their fundamentals and technique and you don’t know if it will hold. There’s a lot of risk. You see that every year with guys who fail. It is not easy. But it feels like this year they have to get it right.”

Payton knows the position, having played it in college, and worked in the NFL as an assistant or head coach since 1997. The quarterback’s ability to learn and process information remains critical. It is why the Broncos sent over material late to the prospects to see how they handled cramming for the interview exam. He wants a quarterback with all the hardware and software.

When looking at Broncos’ past mistakes in the draft, Lynch was not ready to digest a pro offense, and Lock struggled to find a balance between taking chances and taking care of the ball.

There were warning signs with Lynch when teams interviewed him because of the lack of verbiage in Memphis play calls and his lack of responsibility at the line of scrimmage. Lock threw 99 touchdowns in college, but also had 39 interceptions, seldom prevented from playing hero-ball as Missouri tried to overcome better SEC opponents with Lock’s arm.

Changing coaches and coordinators did not help either. This brings up a point that seems obvious. Everyone has to be committed to the quarterback. Regardless of talent, rarely are top picks capable of overcoming dysfunction.

“If the GM, owner and coach are not on the same page, it����ap doomed to fail,” said Super Bowl 50 champion and Altitude Radio personality Tyler Polumbus. “At the end of the day, Sean has the final say. There shouldn’t be discord. What I experienced in Washington when the owner (Daniel Snyder) forced (coach) Mike (Shanahan) to draft Robert Griffin III, and then Mike drafted Kirk Cousins later on — there’s no quicker way to sabotage a quarterback than that.”

Payton and general manager George Paton insist they have healthy discussions, leaving Paton with a vision of what his coach wants. The pair said there will be no disagreements on draft day — this is not a Kevin Costner movie.

While an argument can be made that the Broncos roster is not quarterback ready — “I might try to get out of the salary cap hell that Russ put them in, and add more pieces,” said former NFL quarterback and Seattle radio host Brock Huard — they boast an appealing strength in the offensive line.

While Wilson was sacked 45 times in 15 games last season, internally the Broncos view the line as a positive, frequently assigning blame on Wilson for putting the offense behind the sticks. The Broncos started the same starting five in every game save for the season finale when right tackle Mike McGlinchey missed with injured ribs.

“It plays a much larger role than people realize,” Harris said. “The quarterback needs consistency, needs to know when he moves in the pocket where he will be safe.”

Perhaps the biggest challenge for a Broncos first-round quarterback — whether that����ap in the top 10 or later with Oregon’s Bo Nix or Washington’s Michael Penix Jr. — is the lack of playmakers. The Broncos have not had a 1,000-yard rusher or receiver since 2019, and only three 1,000-yard rushers (C.J. Anderson, Phillip Lindsay twice) and two 1,000-yard receivers (Emmanuel Sanders, Courtland Sutton) since the quarterback carousel began in 2016.

“That seems to be a conversation I have a lot with teams around the league is, OK, A, do we take (a quarterback)? Then do we put him out there right away?” said NFL Network draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah. “And do we have the infrastructure for him to survive and be successful?”

Payton is considered an elite play-caller. However, he demands a lot of his quarterback. His playbook is not for the weak of mind. Payton has only started a rookie once in 258 regular-season games. It is why so many mocks connect the dots to Nix, who will be a rookie in name only, having started 61 college games.

“He wants his quarterback to be able to process quickly, and hit that dig route at 14 to 18 yards. Under Drew Brees they would hit that 7-to-8 times a game,” Schlereth said. “I like Nix. I saw him make a lot of those throws. And I saw McCarthy run a lot of NFL concepts. I know Sean is a good coach. But he has to be sold on a guy and believe beyond a shadow of doubt that guy can be successful.”

The staff — the Broncos have a rising star in quarterbacks coach Davis Webb — must have a plan for the player and the motivation to make it work. Shifting through the previous Broncos’ quarterback wreckage, it is clear how ill-fitted concepts and lack of commitment contributed to abysmal results.

There have been 13 attempts. And 13 whiffs. All that can go away with the right choice on Thursday night.

“I want Payton drooling over one guy. And if he wants one, go get him, don’t wait,” said Broncos Hall of Famer Terrell Davis. “If they walk out this draft without a quarterback, oh boy! I am going to have my popcorn ready.”

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Trevor Siemian

Tenure: 2015-17, 13-11 record

Highlight: Four-touchdown, 312-yard performance in 2016 win at Cincinnati.

Lowlight: Three-interception game in 2017 at KC, leading to benching.

Paxton Lynch

Tenure: 2016-17, 1-3

Highlight: Threw for 254 yards, nearly beating first-time starter Patrick Mahomes in 2017.

Lowlight: Sobbing as he covered his face in a towel after hurting ankle vs. Raiders in ugly loss.

Brock Osweiler

Tenure: 2017, 0-4

Highlight: 5-2 in ’15. Doesn’t count. In relief at Colts, led the team to its only road win of ’17 season.

Lowlight: Picked twice, sacked three times in a 51-23 loss at Eagles.

Case Keenum

Tenure: 2018, 6-10

Highlight: Rallied Broncos to 24-17 win over Steelers, keeping Denver briefly in playoff race.

Lowlight: Missed open Demaryius Thomas for TD vs. KC at home, changing course of season.

Joe Flacco

Tenure: 2019, 2-6

Highlight: Ripped head coach, OC after loss to Colts: “We are afraid to go for it.”

Lowlight: In same game, he suffered season-ending neck injury, ending his career with Broncos.

Brandon Allen

Tenure: 2019, 1-2

Highlight: Threw two touchdowns with no interceptions in debut win over Browns.

Lowlight: Needed cutoff man to make long throws in wind at Bills. Completed 10 passes in loss.

Drew Lock

Tenure: 2019-21, 8-13

Highlight: Looked like star in 309-yard, three-TD outing at playoff-bound Texans in ’19.

Lowlight: Completed 48% of passes with four INTs in 37-12 loss at Raiders in 2020.

Jeff Driskel

Tenure: 2020, 0-1

Highlight: Staged spirit comeback in relief at Steelers, throwing two touchdowns.

Lowlight: Started the next week at home vs. Bucs, was sacked five times and benched.

Brett Rypien

Tenure: 2020-22, 2-1

Highlight: Let it Ryp in prime time game vs. Jets, delivering two scores in 2020.

Lowlight: Lost to Jets at home in 2022, producing one touchdown drive.

Phillip Lindsay

Tenure: 2020, 0-1

Highlight: Taking the snap in the Wildcat formation as the COVID starter vs. Saints in 2020.

Lowlight: Giving way to Kendall Hinton in the COVID game. Hinton completed one pass in loss.

Teddy Bridgewater

Tenure: 2021, 7-7

Highlight: Delivered 328 yards passing at Jacksonville. Part of a terrific 3-0 start to season.

Lowlight: Did not try to tackle Eagles’ Darius Slay on fumble return for TD. Fans turned on him.

Russell Wilson

Tenure: 2022-23, 11-19

Highlight: Thought he would be benched during bye week. Then rallied Broncos to win at Bills.

Lowlight: Needing FG to win vs. Colts, threw awful INT to Stephon Gilmore in crippling ’22 loss.

Jarrett Stidham

Tenure: 2023, 1-1

Highlight: Won starting debut vs. Chargers by taking care of the ball and only taking two sacks.

Lowlight: Threw pick and was sacked five times in discouraging season-ending loss to Raiders.

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Jarrett Stidham, who took over as the team’s starter in Week 17, will now be the only quarterback on Denver’s roster to have started a game for the team.

From Trevor Siemian to Stidham, here’s a look at who they are, how they fared in the role and where they are today.

Trevor Siemian

How he landed with the Broncos: Siemian was selected in the seventh round (250th pick overall) by the Broncos in 2015.

How he fared in Denver: Siemian played 25 games, making 24 starts for the Broncos, leading them to a 13-11 record. He completed 59.3% of his passes for 5,686 yards, 30 touchdowns and 24 interceptions. He was traded to the Vikings along with a 2018 seventh-round pick following the 2017 season for a 2019 fifth-round pick. The fifth-round pick would be used to select linebacker Justin Hollins.

Where is he now: The 32-year-old quarterback played for the Jets in 2023. He appeared in five games (starting three), leading the Jets to a 2-1 record while completing 56.2% of his passes for 724 yards, two touchdowns and four interceptions. He is slated to be an unrestricted free agent when the NFL free agency period begins at 2 p.m. MT on March 13.

Paxton Lynch

How he landed with the Broncos: The Memphis standout was selected by the Broncos in the first round (26th overall) of the 2016 NFL draft. “He was the guy,” general manager John Elway said after selecting Lynch. “And we’re thrilled to have him.”

How he fared in Denver: Lynch didn’t live up to his first-round hype in Denver, playing just five games (starting four) in his two seasons with the Broncos. He had a 1-3 record while completing 61.7% of his passes for 792 yards, four touchdowns and four interceptions. He was cut before the start of the 2018 season.

Where is he now: Lynch, 30, last played professionally with the San Antonio Brahmas of the XFL after the Orlando Guardians waived him on April 5, 2023, following an 0-5 start.

Brock Osweiler

How he landed with the Broncos: Osweiler was originally selected by Denver in the second round (57th overall) of the 2012 NFL draft. Following the Super Bowl 50 win, he signed a four-year, $72 million deal with the Houston Texans. He was traded a year later to Cleveland but was released before the start of the 2018 season. Shortly after, he re-signed with Denver after Lynch suffered a shoulder injury.

How he fared in Denver: His second stint with the Broncos wasn’t as memorable as his first. He played in six games (starting four) and finished with an 0-4 record in his starts. He finished the year completing 55.8% of his passes for 1,088 yards, five touchdowns and five interceptions.

Where is he now: Osweiler, 33, is retired and watching a lot of football.

Case Keenum

How he landed with the Broncos: Keenum signed a two-year, $36 million deal with Denver before the start of the 2018 season.

How he fared in Denver: Keenum became the first Broncos quarterback to start every game in a season since Peyton Manning’s 2014 season. He opened strong, leading Denver to a 2-0 start, but the team finished the season 6-10. Keenum completed 62.3% of his passes for 3,890 yards, 18 touchdowns and 15 interceptions. He was traded along with a seventh-round pick to Washington for a sixth-round pick following the end of the season.

Where is he now: The 36-year-old Keenum signed a two-year deal with the Texans — his first team in the NFL — before the 2023 season. He started two games last year, leading Houston to a 1-1 record while completing 64.2% of his passes for 291 yards, one touchdown and three interceptions. He was benched in the second half of the Week 16 game against the Browns.

Joe Flacco

How he landed with the Broncos: The former Super Bowl MVP was traded to Denver in February 2019 for a fourth-round draft pick.

How he fared in Denver: Flacco started eight games before the Broncos placed him on injured reserve for a herniated disc in his neck. Denver went 2-6 in his starts, where he completed 65.3% of his passes for 1,822 yards, six touchdowns and five interceptions.

Where is he now: Flacco, 39, was the Browns’ No. 1 starter in 2023 following Deshaun Watson’s season-ending injury. In five starts, he led Cleveland to a 4-1 record, completing 60.3% of his passes for 1,616 yards, 13 touchdowns and eight interceptions. He completed 34 of 46 passes for 307 yards, a touchdown and two picks in the Browns’ 45-14 loss to Houston in the AFC wild-card game. Flacco was named the NFL Comeback Player of the Year and is slated to be an unrestricted free agent.

Brandon Allen

How he landed with the Broncos: Allen was claimed off waivers from the Rams prior to the start of the 2019 season.

How he fared in Denver: He started in three games for the Broncos after Flacco suffered a season-ending injury in Week 9 of the 2019 season. He won his first game and lost the other two, completing 46.4% of his passes for 515 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions.

Where is he now: The 31-year-old Allen signed with the 49ers before the start of the 2023 season. He was the No. 3 quarterback behind starter Brock Purdy and backup Sam Darnold. He is slated to be an unrestricted free agent.

Drew Lock

How he landed with the Broncos: Lock was selected in the second round (42nd overall) of the 2019 NFL draft out of Missouri.

How he fared in Denver: Lock made his first start during his rookie season in Week 13. In his five starts, he helped the Broncos to a 4-1 record to close out the season. He started 13 games in 2020 and three in 2021. He finished his time in Denver with an 8-13 record, 59.3% completion percentage, 4,740 yards, 25 touchdowns and 20 interceptions.

Where is he now: Lock, 27, was the backup to Seahawks starter Geno Smith in 2023. He played in four games (starting two) and completed 63.2% of his passes for 543 yards, three touchdowns and three interceptions. Seattle was 1-1 in his starts. He is slated to be an unrestricted free agent.

Jeff Driskel

How he landed with the Broncos: Driskel signed with Denver as a free agent before the 2020 season.

How he fared in Denver: Driskel made his first appearance in Week 2 of the 2020 season after Drew Lock suffered a shoulder injury early in the game against the Steelers. He started in Week 3 in a losing effort to the Buccaneers but was pulled in the fourth quarter. In three appearances (one start), he completed 54.7% of his passes for 432 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions.

Where is he now: The 30-year-old Driskel spent much of last year on the Arizona Cardinals’ practice squad. He was signed by the Browns just before the end of the regular season and started in a Week 18 loss to the Bengals where he completed 13 of 26 passes for 166 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions. He is slated to be an unrestricted free agent.

Brett Rypien

How he landed with the Broncos: Rypien came to the Broncos as an undrafted free agent in 2019.

How he fared in Denver: He came on in relief of Jeff Driskel in Week 3 of the 2020 season during Denver’s loss to Tampa Bay. He earned the start in Week 4, leading the Broncos to a 37-28 road win against the Jets. He also had four appearances (two starts) in 2022, coming in for an injured Russell Wilson. In eight games (three starts) in Denver, he completed 61.5% of his passes for 778 yards, four touchdowns and nine interceptions.

Where is he now: Rypien, 27, signed with the Rams before the start of the 2023 season. In two appearances, including one start, he completed 47.4% of his passes for 172 yards, zero touchdowns and an interception. After Los Angeles waived him, Seattle signed him to its practice squad. He finished the season with the Jets and is slated to be an unrestricted free agent.

Kendall Hinton

How he landed with the Broncos: Hinton signed as an undrafted free agent in April 2020. He was waived before the start of the season, but signed to the practice squad that November.

How he fared in Denver: Hinton was a quarterback at Wake Forest but projected to be a receiver in the NFL. He became the Broncos’ emergency starter in Week 12 of the 2020 season after all four of Denver’s quarterbacks were ruled ineligible to play due to COVID-19 protocol. While Phillip Lindsay technically started under center, Hinton was the team’s primary passer for the game. He completed 1 of 9 passes for 13 yards and two interceptions in a 31-3 loss to the Saints.

Where is he now: After emerging as a depth receiver for the Broncos from 2021-22 (39 catches for 486 yards and a touchdown), he was waived during training camp in August 2023. The 27-year-old is currently a free agent.

Teddy Bridgewater

How he landed with the Broncos: Denver traded a 2021 sixth-round pick to the Panthers to acquire Bridgewater in April.

How he fared in Denver: The journeyman quarterback emerged as the team’s starter after beating out incumbent Drew Lock in the preseason. The Broncos’ record was 7-6 through his 13 starts. He has completed 66.9% of his passes for 3,052 yards, 18 touchdowns and seven interceptions.

Where is he now: The 31-year-old quarterback signed with the Lions before the start of the 2023 season. He was the backup to starter Jared Goff. He retired following the season and is now the head coach at his alma mater, Miami Northwestern Senior High School.

Russell Wilson

How he landed with the Broncos: In one of the biggest trades in Denver sports history, the Broncos traded for Wilson and a fourth-round draft pick in exchange for quarterback Drew Lock, tight end Noah Fant, defensive lineman Shelby Harris, two first-round picks, two second-round picks and a fifth-round pick.

How he fared in Denver: Wilson had been the most stable starter for the Broncos since Peyton Manning retired. He started 30 games for Denver, completing 63.3% of his passes for 6,594 yards, 42 touchdowns and 19 interceptions. The Broncos have compiled an 11-19 record during that span. In addition, he and his wife, Ciara, bought a $25 million mansion in Cherry Hills Village and opened The House of LR&C, a clothing boutique.

Where is he now: The 35-year-old quarterback was told by the Broncos on Monday that he will be released by the team.

Jarrett Stidham

How he landed with the Broncos: Stidham signed a two-year, $10 million contract with Denver in March.

How he fared in Denver: Stidham, 27, make his first start in NFL Week 17 against the Chargers. In three appearances (two starts), completed 60.6% of his passes for 496 yards, two touchdowns and an interception.

Where is he now: He finished the season as Denver’s starting quarterback and has one year remaining on his contract.

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Well, good riddance to Mr. Let’s Ride. But your beloved local NFL team is right back where it has spent most of the last eight seasons, as a league laughingstock.

Whether the mess in Denver’s offensive huddle has been operated by Trevor Siemian, Joe Flacco or Drew Lock, the only thing for certain during the Broncos’ long playoff drought is the next answer at quarterback is not for long.

With the dreary purgatory of dead money against the salary cap looming, Broncos coach Sean Payton is betting his reputation as an offensive genius his team can be a playoff contender with Stidham, a 27-year-old journeyman who gets the chance to earn his first NFL victory on Sunday, when Denver hosts the Los Angeles Chargers.

“We’re in the quarterback business, always. Where do you find them? We feel like this guy has a lot of traits that you’re looking for,” Payton said, complimenting Stidham after surprising players in the Denver locker room last week with the news he was benching Wilson.

The former Super Bowl champion’s record in 30 starts for the Broncos was an abysmal 11-19. Hard to believe, but Wilson has produced fewer victories for Denver than Siemian did.

For all the unintentional comic relief Wilson brought this dusty old cowtown, from his corny “Let����ap Ride” motto to those high knees in the aisle of the team plane, the strangest and saddest moment of Wilson’s career in Denver happened Friday in the team locker room, when he claimed the Broncos used a threat to bench him after beating Kansas City as leverage to extract multimillion-dollar concessions in his contract.

“They told me if I didn’t change my contract, my injury guarantee, that I’d be benched the rest of the year,” Wilson said.

He called the Broncos’ bluff, making the team look clueless once again.

You can assign the blame to either neophyte NFL owner Greg Penner or general manager George Paton for gifting Wilson a five-year, $245 million contract extension before he threw a single touchdown pass for Denver. It doesn’t matter to me. All I know is these fools and their money will soon be parted, for the benefit of the banished quarterback’s bank account. The team will pay for everything to go away, except the lingering, odorous fallout of a mistake that could cripple the Broncos for years.

Here’s hoping Stidham has more game than Paxton Lynch or Brett Rypien.

“I’ve always had a lot of confidence in myself,” said Stidham, who has thrown six touchdown passes since being a fourth-round draft choice by New England in 2019.

Unless he absolutely flops during this two-game tryout against AFC West rivals, the team’s big salary-cap trauma that only figures to be exacerbated by the expected release of Wilson in March makes Stidham the odds-on favorite to be the starting quarterback when Denver opens the 2024 NFL season.

Despite a shortage of offensive playmakers from running back to wide receiver to tight end, there will be great pressure on Payton to draft a quarterback with real potential to become a starter. And here’s the truth: This 60-year-old coach has never successfully done it during his long NFL career.

With Denver currently slated to select 14th in the first round and losses against the Chargers and Raiders unlikely to land the Broncos in the top 10, it����ap hard to envision how they could trade up to take Caleb Williams of USC, Drake Maye from North Caroline or Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels.

My humble suggestion: The Broncos should stand pat in the middle of the opening round, or, depending what the intel reveals, even trade back, with the purpose of landing Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. before he’s off the board.

Although his lengthy injury history must be examined, Penix’s pocket presence and ability to attack defenses with intermediate-range throws reminds me a little of another left-handed quarterback, former Jacksonville star Marc Brunell, who once beat John Elway in a playoff game, as you might recall.

If my math is correct, Stidham will be the 13th unlucky victim to start at quarterback for Denver since Peyton Manning retired after Super Bowl 50.

When will this nightmare in the Broncos huddle end?

Don’t know about you, but I’m in no mood to wait until 2026, when Arch Manning leaves the Texas Longhorns and declares for the NFL draft.

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