Jarrett Stidham News

The Denver Broncos plan to sign quarterback Jarrett Stidham to a two-year contract, Ian Rapoport reports. Free agency won't technically open until Wednesday, but the legal tampering period began earlier on Monday. Stidham plans to sign with the Broncos, and will likely serve as the primary backup behind Russell Wilson. Stidham found mild success playing with the Las Vegas Raiders in 2022, making two starts towards the end of the season. He completed 45 of his 70 attempts (64.3%) of his passes as the starter for 584 yards, 4 touchdowns, and 3 interceptions.

The 26-year-old former No. 133 overall pick, Stidham started the final two games for the Raiders last season after Derek Carr was benched. Stidham showed well in his brief look under center, completing 45 of 70 throws for 584 yards, four touchdowns, and three interceptions. He also rushed 14 times for 84 yards. Stidham will slot in as Russell Wilson's backup in Denver.

Stidham led the Raiders to a field goal on their first offensive drive, but he otherwise struggled for much of the game. He threw an interception on a forced deep throw to Mack Hollins midway through the first quarter and also fumbled twice -- losing one. Stidham did show some rapport with Hunter Renfrow, which was highlighted by an 11-yard connection in the end zone midway through the fourth quarter to account for Las Vegas' only touchdown of the game. After replacing Derek Carr as the team's starting quarterback in Week 17, Stidham completed 45 of 70 passes for 584 yards, four touchdowns and three interceptions across two games. He isn't likely to enter 2023 as the starter, but Stidham may have done enough in his brief audition to secure a backup role.

Stidham and Davante Adams (illness) both returned to full participation and will thus lead the Raiders' passing attack this Saturday against the Chiefs. It's a game with playoff implications for only one side, but there are a slew of personal milestones in play for Adams and RB Josh Jacobs, the league leaders in receiving touchdowns and rushing yards, respectively.

Leading a spirited effort this past Sunday versus the 49ers' top-ranked defense in place of Derek Carr, Stidham completed 23 of 34 passes for 365 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions while also turning seven carries into 34 yards. Stidham has a right elbow injury in the wake of the 37-34 overtime loss, but he at least will be afforded two more chances for all activity this week before the Raiders potentially hand him a designation ahead of Saturday's scheduled 4:30 p.m. ET kickoff.

Stidham was presented with a brutal matchup for his first career start, but the Raiders' new starter performed well despite the narrow loss. The 2019 fourth-round pick put his arm strength on display, routinely connecting on deep balls to Davante Adams (7-153-2) and Darren Waller (3-72-1). Stidham -- an unrestricted free agent in 2023 -- figures to start the regular season finale against the Chiefs after a strong debut under center. If Las Vegas' offense is going to adopt this vertical passing game following its change at quarterback, then Stidham could produce big fantasy totals again with a plethora of receiving weapons at his disposal.