The Denver Broncos have signed former Texas Longhorns quarterback, providing depth and competition at the backup quarterback position.

In the NFL, the quarterback position is often the most scrutinized, and for good reason. The franchise’s future can depend on the performance of a single player under center. As such, teams are always looking to refine their quarterback rooms, bringing in talent that can either push the starters or provide valuable depth in case of injury. The Denver Broncos, a team coming off of several turbulent seasons at the quarterback position, have recently made headlines by signing a former Texas Longhorns quarterback to their roster. This move has raised eyebrows across the NFL community, sparking curiosity about the team’s future plans and the role this quarterback will play in the organization.

In this article, we will explore the motivations behind the Denver Broncos’ decision to sign this former Longhorns quarterback, what his addition means for the team’s quarterback room, and how this impacts their broader goals for the 2024 season and beyond.

Background: The State of the Denver Broncos’ Quarterback Room

The Denver Broncos have been in a state of quarterback uncertainty for several years. Since Peyton Manning‘s retirement following the 2015 season, the Broncos have struggled to find consistent play at the quarterback position, leading to a revolving door of quarterbacks coming and going. The post-Manning era has seen the team cycle through quarterbacks like Trevor Siemian, Case Keenum, Joe Flacco, and Drew Lock, among others. Despite a talented roster in other areas, the Broncos have been unable to find stability under center, which has directly contributed to their inability to make deep playoff runs in recent years.

In 2022, the Broncos traded a significant amount of assets to acquire Russell Wilson from the Seattle Seahawks, hoping the former Super Bowl champion would restore the team to playoff contention. However, Wilson’s first season with Denver was filled with struggles, inconsistency, and a lack of chemistry with his teammates. Despite high expectations, Wilson failed to live up to his previous form, leading to concerns about the future of the quarterback position in Denver.

As the Broncos entered the 2023 offseason, the team was determined to make changes, not only in terms of the coaching staff but also in their approach to the quarterback position. Sean Payton, a Super Bowl-winning coach with the New Orleans Saints, was hired to lead the Broncos. Payton’s offensive acumen and success with quarterbacks like Drew Brees made him an attractive hire for a team desperate for stability at the most important position on the field.

In the 2023 season, Payton worked tirelessly to rehabilitate Wilson’s game, attempting to bring back the consistency that had made him one of the league’s top quarterbacks for a decade. While Wilson showed some improvement in certain areas, the Broncos’ offense still struggled to find its rhythm. As the 2023 season concluded, it became clear that the quarterback position remained a major question mark for the Broncos moving forward.

In addition to Russell Wilson, the Broncos had Jarrett Stidham as a backup quarterback, but many analysts believed that the team needed more competition and depth to provide a solid foundation for the future. The decision to sign a former Texas Longhorns quarterback thus makes sense as part of a larger strategy to address depth behind Wilson, encourage competition, and provide a fresh perspective in the quarterback room.

The Former Texas Longhorns Quarterback: A Background

Before delving into why the Broncos made this move, it’s essential to understand the background of the quarterback they have signed. While the specific identity of the quarterback in question is not always made public immediately, we can make educated guesses based on the context of the signing.

In recent years, the University of Texas has produced several notable quarterbacks who have had varying degrees of success in the NFL. Some players, such as Vince Young and Colt McCoy, had impressive college careers but found varying levels of success in the professional ranks. However, Sam Ehlinger, a quarterback who played for the Texas Longhorns from 2017 to 2020, has generated the most significant buzz regarding this potential signing. Let’s explore his career and what he brings to the table.

Sam Ehlinger: A Look Back at His Career

Sam Ehlinger was a standout quarterback for the Texas Longhorns, known for his grit, leadership, and dual-threat ability. A highly recruited player out of high school, Ehlinger played for the Longhorns from 2017 to 2020, starting in every season he was there. During his time in Austin, Ehlinger compiled a strong college career, breaking several school records and earning a reputation as one of the Big 12’s top quarterbacks.

Ehlinger’s playing style was often characterized by his toughness and determination. He wasn’t always the most polished passer, but his ability to make plays with his legs and his leadership on the field endeared him to Longhorns fans and coaches alike. Over his four years as the starting quarterback at Texas, Ehlinger accumulated 94 touchdown passes and over 11,000 passing yards, solidifying his place as one of the program’s most productive quarterbacks in history.

However, despite his strong college career, Ehlinger faced challenges when transitioning to the NFL. After going undrafted in the 2021 NFL Draft, he signed with the Indianapolis Colts as a free agent. Ehlinger spent most of his time as a backup quarterback for the Colts, gaining valuable experience and learning the nuances of the professional game. While he didn’t have much playing time, Ehlinger was often praised for his work ethic and determination to improve his skills.

In 2022, Ehlinger had the chance to start for the Colts in a handful of games due to injury and underperformance from the team’s starting quarterbacks. While his time as a starter was limited, Ehlinger showed glimpses of the poise and competitive fire that made him successful at Texas. His performance, however, was inconsistent, and after the season, the Colts decided to move forward with other options, leading to his release.

Despite his up-and-down experience with the Colts, Sam Ehlinger remained an intriguing prospect for other NFL teams, given his dual-threat abilities and leadership qualities. His experience in the NFL, combined with his solid college career, makes him a valuable addition to any quarterback room in need of depth and competition.

Why the Broncos Signed Ehlinger: A Smart Move for Depth and Competition

Now that we understand the background of Sam Ehlinger and the state of the Broncos’ quarterback situation, let’s break down why signing a former Texas Longhorns quarterback makes sense for Denver.

1. Providing Depth Behind Russell Wilson

The most immediate reason the Broncos likely signed Sam Ehlinger is to provide depth behind Russell Wilson. While Wilson remains the unquestioned starting quarterback, his performance has been inconsistent since joining the team in 2022. The Broncos need to ensure that if Wilson struggles or faces injuries, there is a reliable backup who can step in and maintain the offense’s flow. Ehlinger, with his experience as a backup in the NFL and his dual-threat potential, brings a different skill set compared to the other quarterbacks on the roster. His mobility and leadership qualities could prove useful in certain game situations, particularly in short-yardage or goal-line situations.

2. Encouraging Competition in the Quarterback Room

The Broncos are at a crossroads when it comes to their quarterback position. With Russell Wilson still under contract for several more years, it’s crucial that the Broncos foster a competitive environment in their quarterback room. By signing Sam Ehlinger, the Broncos have introduced another quarterback who could challenge for a backup role and provide healthy competition for Wilson and Jarrett Stidham. While Ehlinger is unlikely to unseat Wilson as the starter, having him in the mix could push Wilson to improve and provide a higher level of accountability within the room.

3. Dual-Threat Abilities and Mobility

One of the most underrated aspects of Sam Ehlinger’s game is his mobility. As a former dual-threat quarterback in college, Ehlinger has the ability to make plays with his legs, a quality that is increasingly valuable in the modern NFL. While Wilson has shown some mobility in the past, his rushing ability has declined in recent seasons, and Ehlinger could provide the Broncos with a backup option who can extend plays with his legs. This mobility could be especially useful in situations where the offensive line is underperforming or if Wilson is unavailable due to injury.

4. Developing Quarterback Depth for the Future

While Sam Ehlinger may not be the long-term solution at quarterback for the Denver Broncos, the team’s signing of him could be part of a larger strategy to develop long-term quarterback depth. With Wilson’s age and contract, the Broncos will eventually need to address the future of the quarterback position. Ehlinger, though not a top-tier prospect, has potential as a developmental quarterback who can learn and grow behind the scenes. His presence on the roster could provide the Broncos with valuable options in the event they need to look beyond Wilson in the next few seasons.

The Bigger Picture: What Does This Move Mean for the Broncos?

The signing of Sam Ehlinger signals that the Denver Broncos are taking a proactive approach to ensuring they have a robust quarterback room that can handle any situation that arises in 2024. While the team still remains committed to Russell Wilson as its starter, Ehlinger’s addition serves as a way to bring competition, depth, and a fresh perspective to the position. His presence will not only challenge Wilson and Stidham but will also give the Broncos valuable flexibility in terms of quarterback play.

Ultimately, this move is another piece in the puzzle for the Broncos as they continue to build a championship-contending roster under head coach Sean Payton. By addressing quarterback depth and fostering competition at all levels, the Broncos hope to ensure that their offense can thrive, regardless of the challenges that

may lie ahead. With the NFL season fast approaching, it will be interesting to see how Ehlinger’s journey with the team unfolds and whether he can make a significant impact in the quarterback room.