Sam Ehlinger just signed a one-year, $2 million deal this offseason with the Denver Broncos, a move that quietly sets up one of the most intriguing backup quarterback battles behind starter Bo Nix. This isn’t just a depth signing; it’s a real shot for Ehlinger to shake up the pecking order.
The Grind from Indy to Denver’s Practice Squad
Can you believe this guy’s journey? After a standout college career at Texas, Sam Ehlinger got snagged by the Indianapolis Colts in the 6th round of the 2021 NFL Draft. He wasn’t exactly a starter, only playing in 8 games with 3 starts during his time there, but he showed flashes. We’re talking 573 yards passing, 3 touchdowns against 3 interceptions, and completing 63.4% of his passes for a 76.1 QB rating. Not world-beating, sure, but definitely showing he could sling it.
He stuck with the Colts through the 2024 season, then hit unrestricted free agency in 2025. When those first few waves of free agency passed without a deal, you had to wonder what was next. But on March 31, the Broncos swooped in with a one-year deal. He landed in a room with Bo Nix, who was fresh off a promising rookie season, and Jarrett Stidham, locked in as QB2. Ehlinger was QB3, pure and simple, needing to impress the coaches just to stick around. And he did! After a solid training camp and preseason, he made it a tough call for the 53-man roster. He was the final cut, but the Broncos wanted him on the practice squad. Get this: despite multiple chances to join another team’s 53-man roster, Ehlinger decided to re-sign with Denver’s practice squad. Why? Reports said he got close with Nix and Stidham, loved the quarterback room, and was high on QB coach Davis Webb (now the OC and playcaller) and the team’s future. That kind of loyalty and belief in the squad? You gotta respect that.
Pushing for QB2: A $2 Million Bet on Ehlinger’s Future
That loyalty didn’t go unnoticed. The Broncos rewarded Ehlinger’s commitment, activating him multiple times to the 53-man roster in 2025, even for the AFC Championship Game. He didn’t play a single snap all season, but he was there, on the sidelines, part of the action. This past offseason, he became a free agent again, and the Broncos re-signed him to that new one-year, $2 million deal. This isn’t just charity, folks. This is a chance for him to seriously push Jarrett Stidham for that backup quarterback job behind Bo Nix.
The offseason hype is real; everyone is saying Ehlinger is absolutely pushing Stidham. As of now, he’s projected to be the Broncos QB3 again, but that $2 million deal and the buzz around him tell a different story. At 6-1, 222 pounds, the 27-year-old is entering his 6th NFL season, and he’s got more experience than some realize.
The Broncos are making a statement with this deal. They believe in Ehlinger. Now, the question is, can he capitalize on this opportunity and climb that depth chart? Keep your eyes locked on training camp and preseason. This backup battle is going to be a must-watch!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
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