Three important decisions the Broncos must make before regular season

The Broncos are entering rebuilding mode after going 8-9 in 2023 and releasing quarterback Russell Wilson this offseason. To avoid an eighth consecutive losing season, Denver must address several issues in training camp.

With that in mind, here are three important decisions the Broncos must make before the start of the regular season.

Should rookie quarterback Bo Nix be the Week 1 starter?

The Broncos took 2023 Heisman finalist Nix with the 12th overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft. While Denver shouldn't rush his development, it must quickly determine whether he's the solution at the most important position.

Since Hall of Famer Peyton Manning retired in 2016, 13 QBs have started for the Broncos. Nix is competing with journeyman Jarrett Stidham and former first-rounder Zach Wilson for the starting job. Both inspire little confidence.

Wilson posted a 12-21 regular-season record and an abysmal 34.2 QBR in three seasons with the Jets. Stidham, meanwhile, has mainly served as a backup in four seasons with the Raiders, Patriots and Broncos, going 1-3 as a starter.

In training camp, Nix has displayed the resilience a franchise QB needs. ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported the 24-year-old threw three straight touchdown passes after tossing an interception during Saturday's practice.

Is it time to extend cornerback Patrick Surtain II?

Earlier this offseason, the Broncos exercised Surtain's fifth-year option, but they should consider giving him an extension before the start of the season.

Surtain — the ninth overall pick of the 2021 NFL Draft — has made two Pro Bowls in three seasons with the club. In a recent poll from Fowler, scouts, executives and coaches ranked the 24-year-old as the No. 1 CB in the league.

Surtain recently told the media he's not worried about an extension, but the Broncos shouldn't procrastinate. The longer they wait, the more expensive a potential deal gets.

Which running back should receive the most carries?

After recovering from an ACL/LCL tear, RB Javonte Williams struggled last season, averaging a career-low 3.6 yards per carry in 16 games. To rebound, the fourth-year back lost 11 pounds (down to 220 pounds) this offseason.

Broncos head coach Sean Payton indicated slimming down has helped Williams regain some explosiveness. However, Denver's backfield is crowded.

Second-year RB Jaleel McLaughlin led the team in yards per carry (5.4 in 17 games) last season. He could have an expanded role if he keeps mitigating concerns about his size (5-foot-7, 187 pounds).

Fifth-round pick Audric Estime and veteran Samaje Perine could also take carries away from Williams.

Payton didn't suggest there's a clear leader in the RB competition. Don't be surprised if the backs split carries in training camp and preseason until a workhorse emerges.