Zach Wilson, Jarrett Stidham have very different reactions to losing Broncos starting QB job

Zach Wilson is content to be the backup or even third-stringer in Denver, especially now that he’s learned he will be on the Broncos’ 53-man roster.

Jarrett Stidham, though, had a much different reaction to learning Bo Nix would be Denver’s starting quarterback on Sept. 8 in their Week 1 road matchup against the Seahawks.

“First of all, obviously I was very disappointed. I know I’m a starting quarterback in this league. I have zero doubts about that. And it just didn’t shake out my way,” Stidham said Sunday after a 38-12 win over the Cardinals. “But I know what kind of player I am, kind of person I am. Like I said earlier, I’ll be ready to go if I need to be. … I have no doubts I’m a starting-caliber quarterback in this league.”

The Broncos held a three-man quarterback competition for the starting role this year, although Nix always had his draft stock — No. 12 overall in this year’s class — working in his favor.

Wilson had an unsuccessful run with the Jets that led to him landing in Denver for a late-round pick swap, while Stidham has played in just 16 NFL games and thrown eight touchdown passes.

There had been some speculation that the Broncos could possibly start one of the veterans before transitioning to the former Oregon standout but Denver head coach Sean Payton announced last week heading into the team’s third and final preseason game that Nix had won the competition.

Stidham, who started the final two games last season after the Broncos benched Russell Wilson, had been viewed as Nix’s top competition for the role, per the Denver post, which perhaps explained why the seemed to sting him so much.

Wilson, on the other hand, seemed to see the writing on the wall.

“Yeah, I was excited for him. I mean, I don’t think it was a surprise too much, obviously, right? I think he’s had a great camp. I told him I’m excited for him for this opportunity. I really believe that they’re putting him in a good situation. I think Sean has done a phenomenal job,” Wilson said Sunday. “Bo has just continued to get better. So, I’m excited to see what he can do and I think he’s ready for it.”

The Broncos now have to decide which quarterback will be Nix’s backup since Payton said Sunday he plans to have all three on the roster.

“We feel comfortable with those three quarterbacks,” Payton said, per ESPN. “I think I’ve told you already I see the three of them making it.”

Wilson played almost the entire game Sunday with Stidham only handling the first possession.

The Super Bowl-winning coach previously said Stidham could be a good resource for Nix while he adjusts to the NFL.

Wilson played well in his final audition, completing 16-of-25 passes for 255 yards and two touchdowns.

“We all want to play, we all want to be on the team,” Wilson said, per ESPN. “We all want to do the best, but we all understand the other person’s side of it, so we all have each other’s back. I want them all to do the best they can. … If I can be any sort of resource or help to (Nix) … I will.”