Jarrett Stidham returning to Broncos on 2-year deal

There will be continuity behind Bo Nix.

The Broncos agreed to terms with Jarrett Stidham, keeping the No. 2 quarterback behind their young starter, as first reported by The Athletic. Stidham will receive a 2-year deal that pays him up to $12 million, per The Athletic.

His decision comes amid a flurry of re-signings that dotted the NFL landscape Sunday. The moves drained the free-agency pool of talent, particularly at inside linebacker, where Nick Bolton and Jamien Shorewood, both potential Broncos targets, re-signed with the Kansas City Chiefs and New York Jets, respectively.

For Stidham, it appears to represent an acceptance of an understudy role seven months after he lost a training-camp competition among himself, Nix and Zach Wilson. Wilson was the first to be eliminated, leaving him and Nix to start the Broncos’ first two preseason games, from which the first-round rookie won the job.

In the wake of the preseason finale, Stidham asserted, “I know I’m a starting quarterback in this league.”

But in the months that followed, he handled the No. 2 role admirably, providing the proper mix of support, professionalism and practice-field and meeting-room diligence required. Further, the quarterback room was harmonious to the point that the three passers and their significant others hung out socially, even vacationing together after the season.

It’s doubtful the entire trio could return, since Wilson is likely to have offers to become someone second-teamer. But in keeping Stidham around, the Broncos have continuity at a spot that may not seem vital at the moment — but could end up being the most important one on the roster.