Jarrett Stidham, Bo Nix and Zach Wilson. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

The Denver Broncos’ three-way quarterback competition between Jarrett Stidham, Zach Wilson and Bo Nix has a front-runner.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Jarrett Stidham has been listed as the Broncos’ starting quarterback on their first depth chart for the 2024 season. Zach Wilson is the backup, with rookie Bo Nix listed as the third signal-caller.

The Broncos released Russell Wilson earlier this offseason and took on a record dead money charge of $85 million. They acquired Zach Wilson (along with a seventh-round pick) in exchange for a sixth-round draft choice.

Denver selected Nix with the No. 12 selection in the 2024 NFL Draft. Unsurprisingly, head coach Sean Payton wants to take his time grooming the rookie in what’s essentially a rebuilding year in Mile High City.

Jarrett Stidham is entering the last of a two-year, $10 million deal he signed with the Broncos in 2023 free agency. He started Denver’s final two games last season, throwing for 496 yards, two touchdowns and one interception.

The Broncos will visit the Indianapolis Colts in their first preseason game this Sunday (1:00 p.m. EST). After hosting the Green Bay Packers and Arizona Cardinals in preseason play, the Broncos will then prepare for their Week 1 opener — a road tilt against the Seattle Seahawks on Sept. 8.

Jarrett Stidham Is The Broncos’ Safe Option For Now

Stidham only has 16 game appearances and four starts under his belt, but the six-year veteran has the most NFL experience in Denver’s quarterback room. He also has the most familiarity in Sean Payton’s offense, making Stidham the safest starting option for the time being.

Zach Wilson never looked like a starting-caliber quarterback in his three years with the New York Jets, and the Broncos are doing the wise thing by patiently developing Nix. If Stidham struggles out of the gate, however, it’ll be interesting to see if Payton nods to either Wilson or Nix.