Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton eager to find next quarterback

ORLANDO, Fla. (KDVR) — Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton outlined the storylines for the team this offseason at the annual league meeting on Monday morning.

It’s fair to say the main character of this novel is still an unnamed starting quarterback.

“That will organically take place,” said Payton on the importance of finding the next franchise quarterback. “We are going to be smart about it.”

After the release of Russell Wilson, the Broncos appear to be focused on veteran Jarrett Stidham and rookie prospects in this year’s NFL Draft at the quarterback position.

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Currently, the Broncos hold pick 12.

Payton told reporters that the Broncos are willing to make moves up the draft, presumingly to select a quarterback.

“I think it’s realistic. What’s hard to predict, though, is what’s on the receiving end. It’s hard to predict what the cost is, and yet, I certainly wouldn’t say that it’s unrealistic. We will pay close attention to it,” said Payton.

As for Stidham, who started the final two games in 2023, Payton made it clear he’s in a competing position to be the starter this coming season.

“We felt like this is a player who can compete, and we felt like he has some upside,” said Payton.

The Broncos finished 2023 with a record of 8-9, their seventh consecutive losing season, and missed the playoffs for an eighth consecutive season. With salary cap restrictions due to Wilson’s release, Payton understands the perspective that Denver is in the middle of a rebuild.

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“I get that,” Payton explained. “You regroup and you get ready to play. We’re still in the midst of assembling our roster. If you paid attention to that, there are a ton of different seasons—and I’ve been a part of it—that never would have had the success we had relative to the expectations. We have to get better in a lot of areas, and we’re excited to do that.”

Extra points

• Payton said “it wasn’t fun” to release safety Justin Simmons this offseason.
  “He’s been first class for the organization. Someone who I know was respected highly in our league and certainly by us as coaches. That was difficult.”

• The wide receiver room will look different in 2024 after trading Jerry Jeudy to the Cleveland Browns. Payton said he was close to the former first-round pick and was pleased he got a long-term contract.
  As for Marvin Mims, Payton says there will be more snaps for the second-year wide receiver this season.

• With the departure of center Lloyd Cushenberry III, Payton expects Alex Forsyth and Luke Wattenberg to compete for the starting offensive line position.

• Payton was one of five current head coaches who missed the annual NFL photo on Sunday. No big deal says the Broncos head coach who blamed a scheduling mishap with the NFL, saying it was supposed to be taken on Monday.

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