.jpg) Stidham with theNew England Patriots in 2019 | |||||||||||||||
| No. 8 – Denver Broncos | |||||||||||||||
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| Position | Quarterback | ||||||||||||||
| Roster status | Active | ||||||||||||||
| Personal information | |||||||||||||||
| Born | (1996-08-08)August 8, 1996 (age 29) Corbin, Kentucky, U.S. | ||||||||||||||
| Listed height | 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) | ||||||||||||||
| Listed weight | 215 lb (98 kg) | ||||||||||||||
| Career information | |||||||||||||||
| High school | Stephenville(Stephenville, Texas) | ||||||||||||||
| College | |||||||||||||||
| NFL draft | 2019: 4th round, 133rd overall pick | ||||||||||||||
| Career history | |||||||||||||||
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| Awards and highlights | |||||||||||||||
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| Career NFL statistics as of 2025 | |||||||||||||||
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Jarrett Ryan Stidham (born August 8, 1996) is an American professionalfootballquarterback for theDenver Broncos of theNational Football League (NFL). He playedcollege football for theAuburn Tigers following a stint with theBaylor Bears. Stidham was selected by theNew England Patriots in the fourth round of the2019 NFL draft, where he spent his first three seasons as a backup. He played his next season for theLas Vegas Raiders, becoming the team's starter near the end of the year. Stidham joined the Broncos in 2023 and was their starter in the 2025AFC Championship Game following an injury toBo Nix.
Stidham was born on August 8, 1996, inCorbin, Kentucky.[1] His family moved toStephenville, Texas when he was in elementary school.[2] As a senior atStephenville High School, Stidham completed 183 of 260 passes for 2,934 yards with 35touchdowns while also rushing for 969 yards and 15 touchdowns. He was rated byRivals.com as a four-star recruit and was ranked as the sixth-bestdual-threat quarterback in his class. Stidham originally committed toTexas Tech University to playcollege football, but later changed toBaylor University.[3][4]
| Name | Hometown | School | Height | Weight | 40‡ | Commit date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jarrett Stidham QB | Stephenville, Texas | Stephenville HS | 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) | 185 lb (84 kg) | 4.74 | Dec 19, 2014 |
Recruit ratings:Scout:  Rivals:  247Sports: ESPN: | ||||||
| Overall recruit ranking: Scout: 11 (QB) Rivals: 6 (QB) ESPN: 2 (Dual-threat QB) | ||||||
Sources:
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Stidham entered his true freshman year atBaylor in 2015 as the backup quarterback toSeth Russell. Stidham appeared in the first seven games, completing 24 of 28 passes for 331 yards and six touchdowns.[5] After Russell suffered a neck injury against Iowa State and later a season-ending ankle injury against Oklahoma, Stidham took over as the starter.[6][7] He started his first career game against theKansas State Wildcats.[8][9] Stidham finished the game completing 23 of 33 passes for 419 yards and three touchdowns while also rushing for a touchdown. In his second career start against theOklahoma Sooners, Stidham injured his back in the first quarter, but was able to remain in the game. He finished the 44–34 loss completing 16 of 27 for 257 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions.[10]
The following week, despite being listed as questionable to play in the week leading up to the game, Stidham made his third career start against theOklahoma State Cowboys. He injured his hand and ankle in the first half of the game and did not return to the field for the second half.[11] On November 25, 2015, Baylor head coachArt Briles announced that Stidham's ankle injury was a chipped bone in the back of his ankle and Stidham would be sidelined for the remainder of the regular season.[12] It was reported that Stidham might be able to return for Baylor's bowl game, but on December 19, Briles announced Stidham would miss the2015 Russell Athletic Bowl.[13][14]
In the wake of asexual abuse scandal at the school, which led to the firing and resignation of much of the coaching staff, and general dissatisfaction backing up Russell, on July 7, 2016, Stidham announced he would be transferring out of Baylor.[15]
After spending a semester atMcLennan Community College, where he did not play football, Stidham announced that he would be transferring toAuburn University.[16] Stidham was named asAuburn's starting quarterback for the 2017 season.[17] He led the Tigers to an SEC West Division Championship after victories over top-ranked teams, theGeorgia Bulldogs and theAlabama Crimson Tide.[18] Stidham and the Tigers would later lose to theUCF Knights in the2018 Peach Bowl.[19] On December 4, 2018, Stidham announced that he would forgo his final year of eligibility and declare for the2019 NFL draft.[20] On December 28, Stidham led Auburn to a 63–14 victory over Purdue in the2018 Music City Bowl, winning the bowl game's MVP award.[21]
| Season | Team | Games | Passing | Rushing | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GP | GS | Record | Cmp | Att | Pct | Yds | Y/A | TD | Int | Rtg | Att | Yds | Avg | TD | ||
| 2015 | Baylor | 10 | 3 | 2–1 | 75 | 109 | 68.8 | 1,265 | 11.6 | 12 | 2 | 199.0 | 36 | 70 | 1.9 | 2 |
| 2017 | Auburn | 14 | 14 | 10–4 | 246 | 370 | 66.5 | 3,158 | 8.5 | 18 | 6 | 151.0 | 103 | 153 | 1.5 | 4 |
| 2018 | Auburn | 13 | 13 | 8–5 | 224 | 369 | 60.7 | 2,794 | 7.6 | 18 | 5 | 137.7 | 72 | 1 | 0.0 | 3 |
| Career | 37 | 30 | 20–10 | 545 | 848 | 64.3 | 7,217 | 8.5 | 48 | 13 | 151.4 | 211 | 224 | 1.1 | 9 | |
| Height | Weight | Arm length | Hand span | Wingspan | 40-yard dash | 10-yard split | 20-yard split | 20-yard shuttle | Three-cone drill | Vertical jump | Broad jump | Wonderlic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 ft2+3⁄8 in (1.89 m) | 218 lb (99 kg) | 32 in (0.81 m) | 9+1⁄8 in (0.23 m) | 6 ft4+1⁄2 in (1.94 m) | 4.81 s | 1.71 s | 2.83 s | 4.33 s | 7.28 s | 31.0 in (0.79 m) | 9 ft 2 in (2.79 m) | 27 |
| All values fromNFL Combine[22][23] | ||||||||||||
Stidham was selected by theNew England Patriots in the fourth round (133rd overall) of the2019 NFL draft.[24] He signed a four-year deal worth $3.15 million, including a signing bonus of about $634,000.[25]
At the end of the training camp, Stidham was named the second-string backup to quarterbackTom Brady.[26] Stidham selected the number 4 as his jersey number, making him the first Patriots player since placekickerAdam Vinatieri in 2005 to wear the number. Stidham was also the first Patriots quarterback to use number 4.[27]
During Week 3 against theNew York Jets, Stidham relieved Brady in the fourth quarter while the Patriots held a 30–7 lead. He completed two of three passes for 14 yards before throwing an interception to safetyJamal Adams that was returned for a touchdown. Following the interception, Brady returned to finish the game, which the Patriots won 30–14.[28]
After Brady left the Patriots in March 2020, Stidham was seen as his potential successor for the 2020 season.[29][30][31][32] However, the Patriots signed formerMVPCam Newton in July, who became the frontrunner to replace Brady.[33][34][35] Newton was announced as the season's starting quarterback on September 3,[36] while Stidham became the third-string quarterback behind Newton and second-string backupBrian Hoyer.[37]
Stidham moved up the depth chart when Newton tested positive forCOVID-19 amid Week 4, serving as the second option behind Hoyer against theKansas City Chiefs. Following an ineffective performance from Hoyer, Stidham was brought in during the third quarter to complete the game. He threw his first career touchdown pass toN'Keal Harry, but was also intercepted twice, including one that was returned for a touchdown by safetyTyrann Mathieu, as the Patriots lost on the road 26–10.[38] Stidham was subsequently promoted to the second option ahead of Hoyer.[39]
Although Newton remained the team's starter for the rest of the season, Stidham made relief appearances during Week 7 against theSan Francisco 49ers, Week 13 against theLos Angeles Chargers, and Week 14 against theLos Angeles Rams. The Week 13 appearance occurred in a 45–0 shutout of the Chargers,[40] while the Week 7 and Week 14 games saw Stidham take over for a struggling Newton amid a 33–6 loss in the former and a 24–3 loss in the latter. Despite Stidham replacing Newton in the blowout losses, Patriots head coachBill Belichick stated after both games that Newton would retain his starting position.[41][42] Stidham's final relief appearance came in Week 16 after an ineffective performance from Newton against theBuffalo Bills. Entering in the third quarter, Stidham also struggled during the eventual 38–9 loss. He completed four of 11 passes for 44 yards and converted only three first downs, one of which resulted from a penalty.[43]
Following offseason back surgery,[44] Stidham began the 2021 season on the team's reservephysically unable to perform list.[45] He was activated on November 9, ahead of the Week 10 matchup with theCleveland Browns.[46] Stidham was named the third-string quarterback behind rookieMac Jones andBrian Hoyer, ultimately not taking the field for the entire year.[47]
On May 13, 2022, Stidham, along with a seventh-round pick in the2023 NFL draft, was traded to theLas Vegas Raiders for a 2023 sixth-round pick.[48] The trade reunited Stidham with Raiders head coachJosh McDaniels, who was the Patriots' offensive coordinator during his three seasons with the team.[49] Stidham was named the second option to starting quarterbackDerek Carr on August 30 and was the only backup quarterback to make the initial 53-man roster.[50]
On December 28, 2022, with two regular season games remaining, Stidham was named the starter for the first time in his career after the Raiders benched Carr.[51] In his first NFL start, Stidham threw for 365 yards, three touchdowns, and two interceptions in the 37–34 overtime loss to the 49ers.[52]
On March 13, 2023, Stidham signed a two-year, $10 million contract with theDenver Broncos.[53]
On December 27, the Broncos announced that Stidham would start the final two games of the season afterRussell Wilson was benched.[54] Stidham earned his first career win in a 16–9 victory against theLos Angeles Chargers, completing 20-of-32 passes for 224 yards, a touchdown, and no turnovers.[55]
Stidham spent the 2024 season as the primary backup to rookieBo Nix.[56] He appeared in three games during the season and did not attempt a pass.[57]
On March 10, 2025, Stidham signed a two-year, $12 million extension with the Broncos with $7 million guaranteed.[58][59] His only play and on-field appearance of the regular season was a kneel to end the Broncos' Week 8 victory over theDallas Cowboys; Stidham did not attempt a pass for the second consecutive season.[60]
Following a season-ending ankle injury to Nix during the Broncos' 33–30 overtime victory over the Bills in theDivisional Round, head coachSean Payton announced that Stidham would start in theAFC Championship Game against his former team, theNew England Patriots.[61] Stidham completed 17 of 31 passes for 133 yards, a touchdown, and an interception while also losing a fumble that resulted in a short field and the Patriots' only touchdown of the game as the Broncos lost 10–7.[62]
| Year | Team | Games | Passing | Rushing | Sacked | Fumbles | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GP | GS | Record | Cmp | Att | Pct | Yds | Avg | Lng | TD | Int | Rtg | Att | Yds | Avg | Lng | TD | Sck | SckY | Fum | Lost | ||
| 2019 | NE | 3 | 0 | — | 2 | 4 | 50.0 | 14 | 3.5 | 11 | 0 | 1 | 18.8 | 2 | −2 | −1.0 | −1 | 0 | 1 | 7 | 0 | 0 |
| 2020 | NE | 5 | 0 | — | 22 | 44 | 50.0 | 256 | 5.8 | 38 | 2 | 3 | 54.7 | 7 | 7 | 1.0 | 6 | 0 | 4 | 21 | 0 | 0 |
| 2021 | NE | 0 | 0 | — | DNP | |||||||||||||||||
| 2022 | LV | 5 | 2 | 0–2 | 53 | 83 | 63.9 | 656 | 7.9 | 60 | 4 | 3 | 89.2 | 14 | 84 | 6.0 | 11 | 0 | 7 | 47 | 3 | 1 |
| 2023 | DEN | 3 | 2 | 1–1 | 40 | 66 | 60.6 | 496 | 7.5 | 54 | 2 | 1 | 87.7 | 9 | 8 | 0.9 | 4 | 0 | 7 | 46 | 1 | 0 |
| 2024 | DEN | 3 | 0 | — | 0 | 0 | — | 0 | — | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 4 | 5 | 1.3 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 | DEN | 1 | 0 | — | 0 | 0 | — | 0 | — | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 1 | -1 | -1.0 | -1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Career | 20 | 4 | 1–3 | 117 | 197 | 59.4 | 1,422 | 7.2 | 60 | 8 | 8 | 78.3 | 37 | 101 | 2.7 | 11 | 0 | 19 | 121 | 4 | 1 | |
| Year | Team | Games | Passing | Rushing | Sacked | Fumbles | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GP | GS | Record | Cmp | Att | Pct | Yds | Avg | Lng | TD | Int | Rtg | Att | Yds | Avg | Lng | TD | Sck | SckY | Fum | Lost | ||
| 2025 | DEN | 1 | 1 | 0–1 | 17 | 31 | 54.8 | 133 | 4.3 | 52 | 1 | 1 | 63.0 | 4 | 23 | 5.8 | 8 | 0 | 3 | 31 | 1 | 1 |
| Career | 1 | 1 | 0–1 | 17 | 31 | 54.8 | 133 | 4.3 | 52 | 1 | 1 | 63.0 | 4 | 23 | 5.8 | 8 | 0 | 3 | 31 | 1 | 1 | |
Stidham met his wife, Kennedy Brown, at Baylor and they got married in 2019.[63] They have three children.[64] Brown is the daughter ofHarris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment CEOTad Brown.[65]
