As the NFL trade deadline approaches on November 5, the Denver Broncos find themselves in an enviable spot: they have two backup quarterbacks who might be just what other teams need. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler predicts both Jarrett Stidham and Zach Wilson are potential trade candidates, making Denver’s QB depth a valuable asset that could bring back some picks or players they’re missing.
For the Broncos, Wilson seems the most likely to be dealt. At third on the depth chart behind rookie starter Bo Nix and Stidham, Wilson is a tempting option with his lower $1.055 million salary compared to Stidham’s $4.49 million. Wilson, who joined Denver after a rough run with the Jets, has reportedly impressed head coach Sean Payton with his potential, making him a solid trade piece for quarterback-needy teams.
Several franchises may be on the hunt for a capable backup or fill-in starter, especially if the injury bug bites their current roster. The Carolina Panthers might consider adding a dependable option if they choose to part with Bryce Young before the deadline. Meanwhile, the Saints and Rams, both playoff contenders, may seek an experienced backup to cover potential injuries to Derek Carr or Matthew Stafford, respectively.
Stidham, a six-year NFL veteran who has filled backup roles with three different teams, could be the more appealing option for a franchise looking for proven stability. Although Wilson has raw talent and a first-round pedigree, Stidham’s experience might make him more attractive to teams that want an immediate and reliable solution. Still, Wilson’s potential as a future starter hasn’t gone unnoticed by Denver’s GM George Paton, who believes Wilson could return to a starting role in the league.
In a quarterback carousel where only Trevor Lawrence remains with his original 2021 draft team, Wilson’s future could take yet another turn if Denver finds a trade partner willing to bet on his upside. The Broncos might even recoup the sixth-round pick they traded for Wilson earlier this year, turning a backup dilemma into a win-win scenario for a team looking to bolster its assets.
