Broncos’ QB competition sees Zach Wilson slipping in rankings.

The recent Broncos practices have unveiled a clear divide in the quarterback competition within the team. One participant in the trio of contenders is falling behind to the extent that his position in the competition is now uncertain.

It seems that the team's recent training sessions have involved Jarrett Stidham and Bo Nix taking their turns with the first-string offense, while Zach Wilson did not get his chance with the 1s. According to ESPN.com's Jeff Legwold, for now, it looks like a two-man competition. Sean Payton recently stated that the Broncos would cut one participant from the competition within the first two weeks of padded practices. It appears that Wilson will be the one eliminated, raising doubts about his spot on the roster.

Payton mentioned today that the current quarterback competition in Denver is not set in stone, and Albert Breer of SI.com has conveyed to the former Jets No. 2 overall pick that he is still in the running. However, Wilson has some ground to make up in order to secure even the backup position. The early work in training camp is progressing this narrative. There are no intentions to keep Nix as a developmental third-stringer, and Breer notes that the No. 12 overall pick is quickly grasping Payton's offensive system. Nevertheless, Legwold reports that Stidham has been practicing mostly with Denver's first-stringers this week. Stidham, who has stepped into a starting role after two teams benched their starters (Russell Wilson, Derek Carr) due to injury guarantees, has the most familiarity with Payton's offense among the trio, having signed a two-year, $10MM contract with the Broncos last March.

Stidham, who will turn 28 next week, may only be seen as a temporary solution. Nix, at 24 years old, holds the record for the most starts by a Division I-FBS quarterback (61), indicating that he could become the starting quarterback early in the season, possibly even in Week 1. The outcome of the preseason will provide insight into the chances of the prospect developed by Oregon and Auburn to secure the starting position. A report from midsummer suggested that he is likely to be the starter, but Stidham is unlikely to keep him at bay for an extended period. Releasing Zach Wilson would result in the Broncos taking on $2.73MM in dead money, while cutting Stidham would cost them $2MM. Payton typically carries two quarterbacks on the active roster. Wilson would have to clear waivers in order to be considered for any Broncos practice squad or emergency QB3 plans.

In another part of Broncos camp, Breer observes that the battle for the team's second cornerback position seems to be between Riley Moss and Damarri Mathis. Although the team brought in Levi Wallace and drafted Kris Abrams-Draine in the fifth round, Moss seemed to be the favorite to win the competition as camp began. Moss, a third-round pick in 2023, had to take on a special teams role last season due to a core muscle injury that hindered his progress. On the other hand, Mathis, a fourth-round pick in 2022, struggled at the start of last season and was replaced by Fabian Moreau after being benched. Wallace, the most experienced player in the group, was unable to secure a starting position with the Steelers last season. Despite Moreau leaving for the Vikings, the Broncos only guaranteed Wallace $668K. Mathis is under contract until 2025, while Moss is signed through 2026.