Broncos HC Sean Payton reveals plans for QB battle heading into training camp

Despite praising him throughout the offseason, Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton isn't ready to name rookie Bo Nix the team's starting quarterback.

Per Parker Gabriel of The Denver Post, Payton said that the Broncos will continue to "mix it up" between Nix, Jarrett Stidham and Zach Wilson at the start of training camp. However, the HC added that it won't stay that way.

While Payton claims the competition remains open, don't be surprised if he gives Nix the starting nod in Week 1 against the Seattle Seahawks.

"Most believe Payton will choose rookie first-round pick Bo Nix as the starter," wrote ESPN's Jeff Legwold. "Payton was far more effusive in his public praise of Nix—who threw 45 touchdown passes and three interceptions last season at Oregon—than the other starting QB candidates during OTAs and minicamp."

Payton complimented Nix again on Tuesday, saying the 24-year-old is a "quick study," via Zac Stevens of DNVR Sports. The 2023 Heisman finalist doesn't seem to be growing complacent, though, and is eager to prove himself in training camp.

"It's huge, and this opportunity is obviously not just handed out," Nix recently told Aric DiLalla of the team website. "So it's a special moment and one that I definitely want to take advantage of and not take for granted and be ready for, but one that I'm also not going to just be so eager and be so gung ho that I go overboard on it."

Wilson and Stidham haven't shown they're quality starters throughout their careers. Former first-round pick Wilson posted a 12-21 starting record in three seasons with the Jets. Stidham, meanwhile, is 1-3 in four starts in four seasons with the Raiders, Patriots and Broncos.

Nix clearly offers more promise. As of Tuesday, he's tied with Chiefs wideout Xavier Worthy and Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy for the fifth-best Offensive Rookie of the Year odds (+1700) , per FanDuel.