The Denver Broncos’ plans at quarterback have taken another noteworthy turn as the offseason program moves on to Phase 2, this time ensnaring Nathan Peterman.
Denver has three QBs under contract–Bo Nix, Jarrett Stidham, and Sam Ehlinger–and they are bringing Kurt Warner’s son, E.J. Warner, in for a look during their rookie minicamp. But they need another arm, and a player like Peterman has always been part of the plan.
However, the decision faces some noteworthy scrutiny.
Broncos Complete Mission With Nathan Peterman
GettyBroncos rookie minicamp invite Nathan Peterman has been a journeyman during his NFL career.
“Per source, the #Broncos are giving veteran QB Nathan Peterman a rookie minicamp tryout this weekend,” 9News’ Mike Klis reported on X on May 6. “Last with Saints, Raiders, Falcons in 2024, Peterman turned 32 on Monday.”
Peterman was a fifth-round pick, taken 171st overall by the Buffalo Bills.
Peterman has also spent time with the Chicago Bears. He has completed 53.1% of his passes for 714 yards, 4 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions in his career. He is 1-4 as a starter.
Broncos will have QBs Peterman and E.J. Warner in attendance this weekend.
Peterman’s addition to the Broncos comes as no surprise.
The Denver Gazette’s Chris Tomasson reported on X in April that the team was seeking veteran quarterback help ahead of their upcoming rookie minicamp. Their three QBs under contract are all ineligible.
The veteran quarterback the #Broncos have settled upon is Nathan Peterman,” Tomasson said in a follow-up post on Wednesday.
Nathan Peterman Moves Draws Blowback
GettyNathan Peterman has performed poorly during his time in the NFL.
The Broncos’ decision to tab Peterman, even as an invite to their rookie minicamp, was not exactly highly regarded.
“Said it before, I’ll say it again,” Denver Sports’ Andrew Mason said in a post on X on May 6 in reaction to the news. “The NFL does not know how to quit Nathan Peterman, he of the career 39.4 passer rating.”
Mason was not alone.
Broncos Wire’s Jon Heath noted, “Nine years ago, Peterman had what might have been the worst half of quarterback play in the NFL’s modern era. As a rookie with the Buffalo Bills in 2017, Peterman went 6-of-14 for 66 yards with no touchdowns and five interceptions in a 54-24 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. Peterman was then benched at halftime.
“With Bo Nix recovering from ankle surgery, there might be an opportunity for Peterman to win a spot as QB4, a position that could serve as QB3 during the spring while Nix is sidelined.”
Peterman is tied for the third-worst completion percentage among QBs with 160-plus attempts since he entered the league, per Stathead. That is on par with Deshone Kizer. Only Anthony Richardson and Dorian Thompson-Robinson have been worse.
What Nathan Peterman Gets as Veteran in Rookie Minicamp
GettyThe NFL has clear guidelines for veterans in rookie minicamp like Nathan Peterman.
The NFL lays out specific guidelines for veteran players in rookie minicamps, as Peterman will be with the Broncos.
Per Article 22, Section (b) of the NFL CBA, teams are allowed up to five vets a rookie minicamp.
“Veteran players who participate in a Club’s post-Draft Club’s Rookie Minicamp shall receive the following compensation, but no other compensation: (1) all travel expenses to and from the post-Draft Rookie Minicamp; (2) housing for veteran players coming from out of town, (3) the pro-rated portion of the weekly per diem specified for the current League Year as set forth in Article 23, Section 4 of the CBA for each day that the veteran player attends the post-Draft Rookie Minicamp; and (4) the meal allowance specified for the current League Year as set forth in Article 22, Section 4 and Article 34, Section 1 of the CBA,” the section reads.
“If a veteran player sustains an injury while participating in a Club’s postDraft Rookie Minicamp, he is entitled to reimbursement of reasonable and necessary medical expense incurred as a result of that injury.”
There is a risk for Peterman. He could suffer an injury with the Broncos that would sideline him for the season. It could be worth it for players seeking another shot at the league.
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