The Denver Broncos are continuing to reshape their quarterback room, and their latest move brings in a familiar name with both college pedigree and NFL experience. On Wednesday, the team officially signed quarterback Sam Ehlinger, adding veteran depth behind projected starter Bo Nix.
Ehlinger, a fourth-year pro, enters the mix after spending the first three seasons of his NFL career with the Indianapolis Colts. Drafted in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL Draft, the former Texas Longhorn showed flashes of promise during limited action. His most notable stretch came in the 2022 season when he started three games for the Colts, completing 63.4 percent of his passes for 573 yards, three touchdowns, and three interceptions.
While Ehlinger’s time in Indianapolis didn’t cement him as a long-term starter, he brings valuable experience and toughness—qualities that have long defined his football journey. At Texas, he was a multi-year starter and one of the most productive quarterbacks in school history. Across four seasons in Austin, he threw for 11,436 yards and 94 touchdowns, earning second-team All-Big 12 honors in 2020. He also added over 1,900 rushing yards and 33 rushing touchdowns, showcasing his ability as a dual-threat.
Now, Ehlinger steps into a Denver quarterback room led by 2024 first-round pick Bo Nix, who is expected to take the reins as the franchise’s signal-caller. Veteran Jarrett Stidham also returns after serving as a reliable backup last season. With former backup Zach Wilson now in Miami, the Broncos are looking to maintain depth and competition in what promises to be a pivotal year for head coach Sean Payton’s offense.
Bringing in a player like Ehlinger adds not just another arm, but a leader with starting experience, a high football IQ, and the mobility to keep defenses honest in spot-duty roles. Whether he’s competing for a backup job or simply offering veteran insight during training camp, Ehlinger is a smart addition as Denver seeks stability and development at the most important position on the field.
As the Broncos continue preparing for the upcoming season, Ehlinger’s signing could quietly become one of the more meaningful depth moves of the offseason—especially if injuries or growing pains impact the quarterback room.