- - Who is Jarrett Stidham? What to know about Broncos starting quarterback after Bo Nix injury

Chris Cwik January 18, 2026 at 8:22 PM

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The Denver Broncos' win over the Buffalo Bills on Saturday came with a significant cost. Shortly after the victory, head coach Sean Payton announced that Broncos starting quarterback Bo Nix sustained a fracture in his ankle on the second-to-last play of the game. He was ruled out for the rest of the postseason.

The injury paves the way for backup Jarrett Stidham to get the start in the AFC championship game. Given his status as a backup, and the surprising nature in which he'll make his first playoff start, some NFL fans may be unaware of Stidham's football journey.

Here's everything you about Stidham, including his stats, college and journey to the Broncos.

"Stiddy's ready. And we'll be ready." HC Sean Payton announced QB Jarrett Stidham will start the AFC Championship game in place of an injured Bo Nix. pic.twitter.com/wKX51x2DRG

— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) January 18, 2026

Where did Jarrett Stidham go to college?

Stidham initially played at Baylor, where he showed promise during his freshman season. After seeing time early in his college career, Stidham eventually took over as Baylor's starter after Seth Russell went down with an injury. Stidham finished his freshman year with 12 touchdowns against two interceptions in 10 games.

Stidham wasn't guaranteed the starting role the next season with Russell back. As a result, Stidham decided to transfer. After spending a semester at a community college, Stidham landed at Auburn. He started for the team as both a junior and senior, and combined to throw for 5,952 yards, 36 touchdowns and 11 interceptions in his two seasons with the team. Auburn went 10-4 and 8-5 in Stidham's two seasons as a starter.

Jarrett Stidham NFL Draft

Following two strong years at Auburn, Stidham heard his name called in the 2019 NFL Draft. The quarterback was selected by the New England Patriots in the fourth round and was the seventh quarterback off the board.

Given Stidham's status as a rookie and the fact that Patriots starter Tom Brady was about to enter his age-42 season, there were some who believed Stidham was drafted to be Brady's replacement once he left the team or retired.

Jarrett Stidham NFL stats

Being Brady's backup meant Stidham didn't see much time as a rookie. He appeared in three games, throwing just four passes in mop-up duty. One of those passes, however, was intercepted and returned for a touchdown.

Brady left the Patriots after the season, but Stidham was not named the team's starter. Instead, the Patriots signed Cam Newton, who started 15 games. Stidham spent portions of the 2020 NFL season as the team's third-string quarterback, behind veteran Brian Hoyer. While Stidham eventually worked his way up the depth chart and appeared in five games, he did not register a start in 2020.

The Patriots selected Mac Jones in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft. Stidham missed time with an injury and did not appear in a game once he returned to action.

That offseason, Stidham was traded to the Las Vegas Raiders, reuniting with former Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, who was hired as the Raiders' head coach that offseason. Stidham served as Derek Carr's backup, but was named the starter late in the season. He made his first two NFL starts, throwing four touchdowns against three interceptions in two losses.

Stidham left the Raiders in the offseason to join the Broncos on a two-year, $10 million deal. He served as a backup throughout most of the 2023 NFL season, though he started two games down the stretch after Russell Wilson was benched. Stidham threw two touchdowns and one interception in those games, going 1-1 to close out the season.

The Broncos selected Bo Nix in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, pushing Stidham back into a reserve role. Since 2024, Stidham has appeared in just four games, though has not thrown a single pass.

Over his six-year NFL career, Stidham has appeared in 20 games, including four starts. He's completed 60.6 percent of his passes while throwing for 1,422 yards. Stidham has eight touchdowns against eight interceptions in the NFL.

His four NFL starts are the fewest of any player to start in the AFC championship game.

Stidham's AFC championship start will mark his first of the season. It's the first time since 1972 that a quarterback's first start of the year came in the AFC championship game.

Per ESPN research- Jarrett Stidham will be the 2nd QB ever to make his 1st start of the season in the Conference Champ game or later. He will join Roger Staubach, who made his first start of the 1972 season in the NFC Championship against Washington, a game Dallas lost 26-3.

— Kalyn Kahler (@kalynkahler) January 18, 2026

Only six quarterbacks since 1950 have made their first start of the season in the playoffs. Only one of those players, former head coach Frank Reich, came away from his start with a win.

Jarrett Stidham career earnings

Stidham has made roughly $25 million since being drafted in 2019. His rookie deal with the Patriots totaled roughly $3 million over four seasons. Once he hit free agency in 2023, Stidham earned a two-year, $10 million deal from the Broncos.

That contract ran out last offseason, but the team brought Stidham back on another two-year deal. This one was worth $12 million. Stidham made just under $2 million in 2025 and is set to make close to $6 million in 2026.

Broncos QB depth chart

With Stidham set to take over, Sam Ehlinger is expected to serve as the team's backup quarterback behind Stidham. Ehlinger was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL Draft. He spent three years with the team before joining the Broncos on a one-year deal in 2025.

Over his career, Ehlinger has appeared in eight NFL games — including three starts. He has three touchdowns against three interceptions in those appearances.

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Source: “AOL Sports”