The Denver Broncos have insisted that Russell Wilson could remain with the team in 2024, but we expect the quarterback will be released in March (Wilson expects that, too).
So if the Broncos do cut Wilson as expected, what’s the QB plan? Jarrett Stidham and Ben DiNucci are both under contract for 2024, but Denver will undoubtedly add more depth and competition to the position this spring.
We’ve put together a five-step plan for how we would approach the 2024 offseason. This is not a prediction or a report of what the team will do. Rather, it’s what Broncos Wire would do this spring.
The first step is releasing Wilson. Such a move will create a large “dead money” salary cap hit, but it’s hard to imagine the QB remaining in Denver. He should have suitors as a free agent.
After that, the Broncos will have to make a decision on Stidham. Our plan might surprise you.
1
Release QB Russell Wilson
It’s possible that Denver could bring Wilson back on a reworked contract, but it’s hard to imagine this saga ending with anything other than a release. The Broncos insist no decision has been made yet, but a move will likely happen within the next month.
2
Release QB Jarrett Stidham
Releasing Wilson would not be a shock move, but some fans and pundits might be surprised if the Broncos also part ways with Stidham, leaving DiNucci as the only QB under contract for 2024. Denver will probably keep Stidham on the team, but the club could save $5 million in salary cap space if they cut the QB this spring. That would make Step 3 easier …
3
Sign vet QB like Jameis Winston or Jimmy Garoppolo
The Broncos could use their cap savings from a hypothetical Stidham release to bring in an experienced veteran like Winston or Garoppolo. Winston’s cap hit was just north of $4.5 million last year, and he went 5-2 as a starter under Sean Payton with the Saints in 2021. Garoppolo might be released by the Raiders and if that happens, Denver might be able to sign him to a bargain deal because the QB will still be getting paid by Las Vegas. Among the QBs set to become free agents next month, Winston might be the most realistic target for the Broncos.
4
Draft mid-round QB like Michael Pratt
Rumors have already started that the Broncos might trade up for a top QB prospect in April’s draft, but such a move would require a massive trade (and teams would want cornerback Pat Surtain as part of the deal). Instead, Denver can address other positions of need at No. 12 overall (or trade down to acquire more picks) and then select a value QB a few rounds later. One name to keep an eye on is Tulane’s Michael Pratt, who met with the Broncos at the Senior Bowl and is projected to be a third-round prospect.
5
Have vet and rookie compete at training camp
This hypothetical QB plan would have the Broncos go into training camp with a veteran (Winston/Garoppolo), a mid-round rookie (perhaps Pratt) and DiNucci as their three QBs. In an ideal world, a QB like Winston would be capable of starting on Day 1 while mentoring a rookie. Alternatively, if a rookie like Pratt developed quickly, Denver could start him right away. Either one would be a more intriguing option than Stidham in 2024.
