The Denver Broncos may have solved their need for a quarterback with E.J. Warner, the son of Hall of Famer Kurt Warner.
E.J. Warner was a prolific passer in college, but he faces an uphill battle to an NFL roster, much like his father did en route to a legendary career. That is not to say the younger Warner will follow the same path.
It is, however, a reason for optimism as the Broncos prepare to get a closer look at him.
Broncos Bringing In E.J. Warner, Son of Hall of Fame QB Kurt Warner
GettyE.J. Warner is following a path similar to his legendary father’s in the NFL.
The Broncos are three-deep at QB, with starter Bo Nix and backups Jarrett Stidham and Sam Ehlinger. However, they still need a passer for their upcoming rookie minicamp, and Warner is an intriguing prospect beyond his famous bloodline.
“Fresno State QB E.J. Warner has accepted an invite to #Broncos rookie camp this week,” NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reported in a post on X on May 6. “Warner attended #Chiefs rookie camp this past weekend. Sean Payton and Andy Reid getting close looks at the son of @kurt13warner.”
The elder Warner has evaluated his son’s game in videos on his YouTube channel several times, including as recently as in March.
The league has even picked up on the bit.
E.J. Warner has made three stops over the past four seasons, spending two years at Temple, one at Rice, and finishing the stretch at Fresno State. He finished that span with 10,844 yards, 71 touchdowns, and 48 interceptions.
He will join the Broncos’ 2026 draft class and several undrafted free agents like himself for the three-day minicamp with hopes of receiving an invite for the rest of the offseason program.
For the Broncos, Warner–or a QB like him–is more than just a luxury addition.
Broncos Eyed Veteran QB Amid Eligibility Hurdle
GettyThe Denver Broncos set out to find a veteran QB for their rookie minicamp.
Nix is recovering from offseason ankle surgery, but that is not why he cannot participate in the rookie minicamp. Since he is under contract, Nix is ineligible, per NFL rules, which outline that players are also only to be compensated for travel and room and board expenses.
The same is true for Ehlinger and Stidham, leaving the Broncos to turn to options like Warner for their minicamp.
However, the Broncos had different plans for the group that may still be in the works.
“I’m told the #Broncos are looking to bring in a veteran QB as a tryout player to rookie minicamp because they want a good arm to throw those 3 days to their rookies,” the Denver Gazette’s Chris Tomasson reported on X in April.
Warner is not that, so the Broncos could very well still be planning on adding another arm to their group.
Warner’s father broke through with the then-St. Louis Rams, one of three stops during his NFL career, which also included the Arizona Cardinals and the New York Giants. However, Kurt Warner missed out on an opportunity to try out for the Chicago Bears before joining the Rams.
If not for Nix’s presence, E.J. Warner would already be following a path similar to his dad’s.
Leaving the Chiefs’ rookie minicamp without a deal just opens the door for the next team to see potential in Warner, and that could very well be the Broncos.
Broncos Bringing in 10,000-Yard QB With Legendary Bloodline: Report