Breaking: Broncos’ $25 Million Quarterback Jarrett Stidham Eyeing NFC South Opportunity as Saints Seek Help
In a developing situation that could reshape quarterback dynamics across the league, Denver Broncos backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham might be headed to the NFC South. With Derek Carr’s future in doubt due to a newly revealed shoulder injury, the New Orleans Saints are in urgent need of a reliable quarterback — and Stidham might be the answer.
While many view being a backup quarterback in the NFL as a dream job — high pay with low risk — that’s far from reality for the athletes themselves. For players like Stidham, who’ve put in years of preparation and still believe in their starting potential, sitting on the sidelines isn’t fulfilling. After losing the quarterback battle to rookie Bo Nix in training camp, Stidham openly expressed frustration and reaffirmed his desire to start.
“Of course I was disappointed,” Stidham said. “I believe I’m a starting quarterback in this league. That hasn’t changed. It didn’t go my way this time, but I’ll always be ready. I know the kind of player and person I am.”
Stidham, now entering his fourth NFL season, signed a two-year, $12 million contract with the Broncos in March 2024. That deal brings his career earnings close to $25.6 million by the end of 2026. Still, for a competitor like him, financial security doesn’t satisfy the desire to compete.
Now, an opportunity may be opening up with the New Orleans Saints. Following the news that Derek Carr could miss the entire 2025 season due to a shoulder issue, the Saints suddenly find themselves in a quarterback crisis. Carr, who inked a four-year, $150 million deal with New Orleans in 2023, has dealt with a series of injuries, including a broken hand that ended his 2024 campaign in Week 14.
According to ESPN’s Katherine Terrell, Carr’s shoulder injury is significant enough that it may keep him off the field during offseason workouts and could put his availability for 2025 in serious jeopardy. With a new head coach in Kellen Moore, the Saints are preparing for a potential rebuild at the quarterback position.
The Saints do hold the No. 9 overall pick in the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft and could target a quarterback like Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders. However, there’s no certainty Sanders will still be available by then. And even if he is, thrusting a rookie into the starting role behind a shaky offensive line could prove disastrous.
Their current alternatives — Spencer Rattler and Jake Haener — are considered well below starting caliber, further pushing New Orleans toward finding a better option. That’s where Stidham comes in.
A trade between Denver and New Orleans could include the Saints offering a third- or fourth-round draft pick, along with Rattler or Haener as a depth option. This move would allow Denver to elevate Sam Ehlinger, formerly with the Colts, to backup behind Bo Nix while giving Stidham the starting opportunity he’s been seeking.
Whether the Saints pull the trigger or not, it’s clear: Stidham may be on the move, and the NFC South could soon have a new face under center.
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