Key Highlights
- The Denver Broncos have had a series of quarterbacks since Peyton Manning’s retirement in 2016.
- Bo Nix was the latest starting quarterback to lead the team back to the AFC Championship Game.
- Jarrett Stidham is now the starter after Bo Nix suffered an injury, facing his former team in the AFC Championship game.
- The article covers each quarterback’s tenure and performance with the Broncos since Peyton Manning’s last season.
From Peyton Manning to Bo Nix: The Lineup of Starting Quarterbacks for the Denver Broncos
The Denver Broncos, a storied franchise in the National Football League (NFL), have seen several quarterbacks take center stage since their iconic player and Hall-of-Famer, Peyton Manning, retired after Super Bowl 50. This article provides an overview of the starting quarterbacks who wore the purple and gold jersey from Trevor Siemian to the current squad under Bo Nix.
Trevor Siemian: The Early Years
Starting with Trevor Siemian, a seventh-round pick in 2015, he played for the Broncos for two seasons. Siemian made 24 starts and led Denver to a record of 13-11. During his tenure, he completed 59.3% of his passes for 5,686 yards, with 30 touchdowns and 24 interceptions before being traded to the Minnesota Vikings.
Paxton Lynch: Hyped but Underwhelming
The Broncos drafted Paxton Lynch in the first round of 2016. Despite being a highly touted prospect, Lynch failed to meet expectations. He played just five games (four starts) and had a record of 1-3. His career with Denver ended after he was cut before the start of the 2018 season.
Brock Osweiler: A Brief Stint
Following Lynch’s departure, Brock Osweiler returned to the Broncos. After an initial successful stint in 2015, Osweiler saw a brief return in 2018 after Paxton suffered a shoulder injury. However, his second stint was marked by just six starts and a record of 0-4 before he retired from professional football.
Case Keenum: A Record Holder
Case Keenum became the first Broncos quarterback to start every game in a season since Peyton Manning’s last year. In his one season, Keenum completed 62.3% of his passes for 3,890 yards and scored 18 touchdowns but also had 15 interceptions before he was traded to Washington.
Joe Flacco: A New Face with a Twist
In February 2019, the Broncos acquired Joe Flacco in exchange for a fourth-round pick. His time with Denver was marked by injury and inconsistent performance; Flacco started eight games but was placed on injured reserve due to a neck issue.
Brandon Allen: An Emergency Starter
Brandon Allen, who joined the Broncos off waivers from the Rams in 2019, replaced an injured Joe Flacco. He started three games and won his first with Denver but faced two losses during his tenure there before moving on to the Tennessee Titans.
Drew Lock: A Rookie’s Journey
Selected in the second round of 2019 out of Missouri, Drew Lock became a key player for the Broncos. He started five games and helped Denver close out the season with an impressive record before moving on to Seattle as a backup.
Jeff Driskel: A Short Stint
Jeff Driskel signed as a free agent in 2020, replacing an injured Drew Lock. He started one game and led Denver’s victory against the Jets but was pulled after the fourth quarter before signing with the Washington Commanders.
Brett Rypien: A Versatile Backup
Despite being undrafted, Brett Rypien became a valuable backup for the Broncos. His most notable performance came when he replaced an injured Russell Wilson during the 2022 season, leading Denver to their first win of that year.
Kendall Hinton: A Surprise Starter
Kendall Hinton’s career took an unexpected turn in 2020. He was called upon as an emergency starter when all four of the Broncos’ quarterbacks were ruled out due to COVID-19 protocol, but his performance was limited with just one incomplete pass and two interceptions.
Teddy Bridgewater: A Journeyman’s Return
Teddy Bridgewater signed a trade with Denver from the Panthers. He emerged as the Broncos’ starter after beating out Drew Lock in preseason games. Though he had some success, his time with Denver was brief compared to his previous teams.
Russell Wilson: A Major Acquisition
The largest trade in Broncos history saw Russell Wilson join the team from Seattle. Despite showing stability and leadership, his tenure was marked by a 11-19 record for Denver during his two seasons before moving on to New York.
A New Chapter with Bo Nix and Jarrett Stidham
Bo Nix led the Broncos back to the AFC Championship Game in 2024, marking the first time since Peyton Manning’s retirement that they had a long-term answer under center. However, his season ended abruptly due to injury, leaving Jarrett Stidham as the backup and now the starting quarterback for the upcoming game against their former team.
Stidham’s journey with the Broncos has been marked by challenges but also resilience. His performance in 2024 saw him compete head-to-head with Zach Wilson before securing his spot on the roster. Now, he faces a new challenge as the starting quarterback for an important game against the Patriots.
The Denver Broncos’ quest for stability and success at the quarterback position continues to evolve, highlighting the importance of each player’s contribution in shaping their history and future prospects in the league.