Braeden Stidham and the Denver Broncos: An Overview
Braeden Stidham has emerged as the starting quarterback for the Denver Broncos during the 2025 season, taking over after an injury to the team’s prior starter. A right-handed passer from the University of Tulsa, Stidham entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2024. He has since progressed through the Broncos’ depth chart through practice squad reps, preseason performances, and in-game opportunities. This profile explains his background, development, playing traits, and what to expect as he continues to build his role in Denver.
Background, College Path, and Route to the NFL
Early Years and College Commitment
Braeden Stidham played high school football in Texas, where he established himself as a capable passer and leader. He committed to the University of Tulsa, a program known for developing quarterbacks who transition to professional football. During his college career, Stidham split time and work, improving his command of complex protections and his quick-decision processing in college-level schemes.
2024 NFL Draft and Entry into the League
Stidham went undrafted in the 2024 NFL Draft. He signed a contract as an undrafted free agent with the Denver Broncos, a move that afforded him the opportunity to learn the playbook and compete for a roster spot during training camp and the preseason.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| College | University of Tulsa | Conference roster/school records |
| Draft Year | 2024; Undrafted Free Agent | Official NFL Draft records |
| Initial Team | Denver Broncos | Team transaction reports |
| First Season with Broncos | 2024 (practice squad/preseason) | Team media and roster timelines |
Playing Traits and Skill Set
As a right-handed quarterback, Stidham is noted for his structured progressions and disciplined pocket presence. He tends to operate effectively from under center, relying on quick releases and efficient footwork rather than raw arm strength. His strengths include:
- Pre-snap recognition and protection adjustments, helping him navigate varied defensive looks.
- Short-intermediate passing efficiency, enabling move-the-chain plays in the intermediate zones.
- Accuracy on touch routes when given clean opportunities, minimizing turnovers in those windows.
Areas of ongoing development include maximizing downfield velocity on deeper routes and expanding consistency in off-schedule throws when pocket movement is required.
Physical and Athletic Attributes
Listed at approximately 6 feet 3 inches and around 225 pounds, Stidham combines a tall frame with adequate mobility for pocket scrambles and designed rollouts. His size supports a vertical passing concept, and his footwork allows him to deliver on scheduled throws from compressed pockets.
Breakdown of the 2025 Season and Transition to Starter
In 2025, an injury to the Broncos’ established starter created an opening in the lineup. The team leaned on Stidham during critical series, giving him meaningful in-game reps. Performance in those moments, including series efficiency and third-down conversion trends, informed the decision to name him the starter for subsequent weeks.
Since taking the role, Stidham has faced a mix of schedule strength and practice-room preparation, helping the Broncos evaluate his long-term fit at the position. His tenure reflects a coaching emphasis on reducing mental errors, improving downfield reads, and building trust with receivers in intermediate zones.
2025 Game Performance Snapshot
While individual statistics vary week to week, key indicators of Stidham’s development include completion percentage, yards after the catch, and red-zone decision-making. Observers note a reduction in forced throws and a gradual increase in play-action effectiveness as his comfort in the Denver scheme grows.
| Metric | Estimate or Range | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Completion Percentage | ~61–66% (early regular season sample) | Reflects ball security and timing accuracy |
| Yards Per Attempt | ~6.5–7.3 ypa (early regular season) | Indicates efficiency on progressing through reads |
| Turnover Rate | Low-to-moderate (1–2 INTs per 30–40 attempts) | Coaching focus on high-percentage throws |
| Third-Down Conversion | Mid-40s percentage in meaningful downs | Shows growth in critical short-yardage situations |
Development Philosophy and Coaching Approach
The Broncos’ staff has emphasized several priorities for Stidham’s development, including:
- Consistent protection schemes to limit hurried throws.
- Progression discipline, ensuring he moves through reads rather than forcing throws into tight windows.
- Repetition in two-minute and goal-line packages to build situational familiarity.
Film study and walk-through reps have been central to refining his recognition of defensive coverages and post-snap leverage, positioning him to make quicker decisions in live action.
What to Watch For Going Forward
As Stidham continues as Denver’s signal-caller, focus areas include his ability to extend plays with legs when needed, his command of play-action to open intermediate windows, and his consistency on third-and-medium situations. The schedule’s difficulty and the performance of surrounding pieces will shape how quickly he evolves toward deeper contributions over the remainder of the season.
Bottom Line on Braeden Stidham and the Broncos
Braeden Stidham represents a measured, development-focused option at quarterback for the Denver Broncos in 2025. His blend of size, pocket composure, and structured decision-making aligns with a system that values ball security and efficient downfield throws. While he continues to add tools and experience, his trajectory will be shaped by coaching support, practice consistency, and in-game execution under varied defensive pressures.
tags: Braeden Stidham, Denver Broncos, quarterback, 2025 season, NFL development