The Denver Broncos have no question marks at the quarterback position with Bo Nix entering his second NFL season.
Behind him is Jarrett Stidham, and the team added Sam Ehlinger to its practice squad on Wednesday. Ehlinger, who played college football with the Texas Longhorns, spent the first three seasons of his NFL career with the Indianapolis Colts before coming to Denver.
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With teams having to trim the roster to 53 players on Tuesday, Ehlinger was reportedly the final cut on the roster, according to Broncos Wire.
After clearing waivers, Ehlinger landed back with the Broncos, this time on the practice squad. Surprisingly, he turned down multiple 53-man roster opportunities from other teams, according to NFL insider Jordan Schultz.
“Sources: #Broncos backup QB Sam Ehlinger turned down two 53-man roster opportunities on other teams (he is not subject to waivers as a vested veteran), to start the season on Denver’s practice squad. Ehlinger loves the Broncos’ QB room with Bo Nix, Jarrett Stidham + rising star QBs coach Davis Webb, and believes in the team and their bright future,” Schultz wrote.
It’s quite surprising to see Ehlinger stay in Denver and turn down 53-man roster offers elsewhere, but he feels strongly about the situation in Denver and wants to see it through.
Sam Ehlinger’s Preseason Stats
Ehlinger’s time with the Colts was most notable in 2022, when he made three starts and threw for 573 yards with three touchdowns and three interceptions.
In the offseason, he signed a one-year deal with Denver despite having other offers, according to Schultz.
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In the preseason, he threw for 253 yards with a pair of touchdowns and one interception, but Stidham threw for 376 yards with four touchdowns and zero interceptions to win the backup job.
Stidham was also with the Broncos for the past two seasons, which likely helped his case. Broncos head coach Sean Payton also spoke highly of Ehlinger after he was released on Tuesday, per Jeff Legwold of ESPN.
“Sam is a guy that we want back,” Payton said. “Now the league a few years back put in a rule that allowed you to dress a third [quarterback for games], but he had to be on your active roster. Every team in this league when the season starts is going to have three in the building.”
Still, turning down multiple offers for a 53-man roster spot is a bit of a surprise, but for now, Ehlinger will be on the team’s practice squad and eagerly await his turn to be promoted to the active roster.
The post Broncos QB Turns Down Multiple Offers to Stay on Team’s Practice Squad appeared first on Newsweek.
