Getty The Ringer's Rodger Sherman was shocked with the Broncos signing of Jarrett Stidham given the Raiders' free agent "plan" involving the quarterback
Jarrett Stidham’s signing with the Denver Broncos was a “shock” to The Ringer’s Rodger Sherman considering the Raiders’ supposed plan involving the former Auburn quarterback that precluded them from pursuing Lamar Jackson — although in reality, it was more of an eye roll at the Las Vegas front office.
Still thinking about that tweet saying the Raiders were not pursuing Lamar Jackson because they had a Jarrett Stidham related plan https://t.co/EoNCQ6Q3ol
— Rodger Sherman (@rodger) March 13, 2023
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Sherman published a tweet reacting to Denver signing away Stidham that mentioned a contradictory tweet originally made by 98.5 The Sports Hub’s Albert Breer indicating that the Raiders would be opting for a “young” guy instead of Jackson. Both Stidham and Jackson are 26.
One thing we’ve mentioned a few times—A few teams (Falcons, Raiders, Commanders) have looked at the idea of taking a young guy (it’d be Stidham coming back in Vegas), and pitting him against an economical vet.
With the QB market a little out of whack, there’s logic to it. 1/2
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) March 7, 2023
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The idea is that if you’re building your roster up, and waiting for the right opportunity to pounce on a young guy either in this draft or next year’s, it makes sense to use the cap space at other positions. If you think environment around the QB is important … not crazy. 2/2
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) March 7, 2023
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Stidham agreed to a deal with the Broncos for $10 million over two years with $5 million guaranteed on March 13.
Davis Webb Helped Bring Jarrett Stidham to Broncos
Davis Webb, the rookie quarterbacks coach Sean Payton took a chance on during his first hiring cycle as Broncos head coach, was a major draw to Stidham choosing Denver per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport:
Sources: Former #Raiders QB Jarrett Stidham is signing a 2-year, $10M deal with the #Broncos, choosing to play for Sean Payton over other options. The deal, which includes $5M guaranteed and $4M more in upside, reunites him Davis Webb – who he has known since he was a teenager.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 13, 2023
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As Payton told The Athletic’s Nick Kosmider, Webb’s organized obsession with the sport of football is why he believes the 28-year-old can do well in a coaching role.
““He had a file on his computer of every game plan that he’s ever had since he was in high school, then college (at) Texas Tech,” Payton said. “It was really impressive just going through the process.”
Russell Wilson Could Be Yanked From Under Center in 2023
NBC Sports’ Matthew Berry reported Payton’s unwillingness to commit to Russell Wilson being under center long-term for Denver — something that could benefit Stidham as he looks to find a starting quarterback role in the NFL after starting for two years at Auburn and a year at Baylor in college.
“I don’t think [Sean] Payton likes Russ. He’s got one year to prove himself or Payton will move on,” Berry prefaced before saying, “There’s no way Denver can cut him this year, but next year, while the dead cap hit would certainly be bad, it could be spread out over two years and wouldn’t be franchise crippling.”
If Payton finds that Wilson isn’t the guy for the Broncos, Stidham could have his elusive QB1 role waiting for him in the Mile High City.