The Denver Broncos quietly made a move on Monday that instantly increased speculation about a potential trade the franchise could make.

Late Sunday night, the Broncos reportedly signed reserve quarterback Sam Ehlinger to a one-year deal worth $2 million.

Ehlinger, a sixth-round selection by the Indianapolis Colts in the 2021 NFL Draft, has started three games in his pro career.

The former Texas Longhorns quarterback, however, hasn’t played in a regular season NFL game since 2023.

Ehlinger spent the 2025 season bouncing back and forth between the Broncos’ practice squad and the active roster.

Sources: The #Broncos are resigning QB Sam Ehlinger to 1-yr, $2M extension on a deal done by @ErikBurkhardt of @RocNationSports.

Ehlinger is very well liked by HC Sean Payton and OC Davis Webb. He would’ve had interest on the open market, but Denver prioritized keeping him. pic.twitter.com/ET2yzTb1hU

— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) March 9, 2026

Are the Broncos on the verge of trading Jarrett Stidham?

Denver’s late night deal with Ehlinger immediately fueled speculation that the Broncos could be on the verge of trading backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham.

The Athletic’s Dianna Russini reported last week that multiple teams have reached out to Denver about trading for Stidham.

As the QB market plays out, trade targets remain in play for several teams. I’m told teams have reached out to the Broncos about backup Jarrett Stidham, whose lone start of the season came in the AFC Championship Game against the Patriots. pic.twitter.com/7fcFg33LAH

— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) March 4, 2026

According to NFL insider James Palmer, some teams around the league view Stidham as a viable starting option.

Palmer also noted that Stidham “loves” the quarterback room in Denver.

Stidham is considered a starting level QB in several teams I've spoken to and that dates back to last offseason. Stiddy knows he can be a starter in the NFL, but really understands that the situation matters. He loves the QB room in Denver and that was a big reason he returned to… https://t.co/fXhruTVDOW

— James Palmer (@JamesPalmerTV) March 4, 2026

The Broncos would be wise to keep Stidham unless a team makes an offer the Broncos can’t refuse. It’s unlikely that Denver would be comfortable going into the season with a quarterback that hasn’t taken a regular season snap since 2023. If Denver trades Stidham, they’d almost certainly look to sign another quarterback to serve as the primary backup to Bo Nix.

If a team wants to trade for Stidham to be their starting quarterback, then Denver probably owes it to him to make the deal (assuming it’s a fair deal for the Broncos). Otherwise, they’d be better off hanging on to Stidham and keeping Ehlinger in the emergency quarterback role.

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