Dealt one of the tougher blows in recent playoff history, the Broncos saw their chances at a Super Bowl LX berth lessened by Bo Nix‘s ankle fracture. But the organization is not concerned about its starting quarterback’s long-term health.
Nix is viewed as ahead of schedule in his recovery from the injury, Broncos GM George Paton said (via 9News’ Mike Klis). The third-year QB is expected to be full go by the time the Broncos’ offseason program begins in early May, Klis notes. CEO Greg Penner also proclaimed Nix ahead of schedule this week at the league meetings. The 25-year-old passer has been on track for an OTAs return since January.
This is a critical year for the Broncos, whose extension window with Nix opens in 2027. The team saw a prime opportunity to book a Super Bowl berth go by the wayside when it was revealed following an overtime divisional-round win Nix would be out the rest of the way because of the ankle injury suffered on an OT designed run. Jarrett Stidham enjoyed moments early in the AFC title game, but a costly fumble preceded a blinding snowstorm, limiting the backup in a 10-7 Patriots road win.
Nix’s injury had moved the point spread considerably, making the Pats favorites in Denver. A notable back-and-forth between Nix and Sean Payton — regarding information the coach shared about his passer’s injury past and whether he was predisposed to suffer an ankle malady — did commence, but the Broncos have QB certainty for the first time since Peyton Manning‘s retirement.
An unusual rumor did surface Wednesday morning, with Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio indicating Aaron Rodgers was on the radar to visit the Broncos due in part to potential concerns Nix will not be 100% by Week 1. This would be a wildly unexpected turn of events based on a number of factors, and Klis was quick to shoot down the prospect of the 42-year-old quarterback being under consideration. NFL insider Jordan Schultz added Nix is not expected to have any limitations when the Broncos’ offseason program begins. Nix had not missed a start in his NFL career until January’s AFC championship game.
The Broncos were certainly interested in Rodgers in 2021, as the then-reigning MVP’s standoff with the Packers soon placed Denver as the most likely destination in the event Green Bay caved to his aim of a trade. The Broncos also appeared to be waiting on Rodgers in 2022, when the Russell Wilson trade surfaced on the same day the Packers extended their longtime starter. But the successful Nix investment has created distance from this turbulent period in Broncos QB history.
Denver has its same quarterback room returning for 2026, with Stidham under contract for one more season and Sam Ehlinger re-signing on a one-year deal worth $2MM ($1MM guaranteed). No one other than the Steelers has been closely linked to Rodgers this offseason. The Steelers expect a Rodgers resolution by the draft.