Sam Ehlinger DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

The Denver Post's Parker Gabriel projects quarterback Sam Ehlinger to take over the backup QB job in 2026 from Jarrett Stidham. Gabriel admits that projecting Ehlinger as the QB2 is "a bit out on a limb," considering Stidham has earned plenty of equity with the front office, coaching staff, and locker room as he enters his fourth year with the team. The Broncos' coaching staff was very excited about the addition of Ehlinger a year ago due to his mobility and potential jump in performance in his second year in Denver. It looks like there will be a fierce battle between Ehlinger and Stidham for the No. 2 job this summer, with the loser potentially being a trade chip before the start of the 2026 season. If there is a way for Denver to keep both Ehlinger and Stidham, they will certainly give it strong consideration. Stidham's lackluster effort in the Broncos' AFC Championship loss to the New England Patriots in January definitely didn't help his cause, but he will most likely have to continue to fall apart for Ehlinger to surpass him as the QB2 going into the 2026 season.

Quarterback Sam Ehlinger has agreed to a one-year, $2 million deal with the Broncos to keep him in Denver for 2026. Ehlinger has made three career starts, all with Indianapolis in 2022, where he went 0-3, throwing three touchdowns to three interceptions. He served as the Broncos' emergency third quarterback in 2025, but according to NFL Insider Jordan Schultz, there would have been a market for his services had he reached free agency. With recent trade rumors swirling around primary backup Jarett Stidham, the Broncos are able to secure a level of depth behind third-year starter Bo Nix and retain a coaches' favorite in Ehlinger.

Denver Broncos quarterback Sam Ehlinger was released on Tuesday, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. The move comes as Denver trims down its roster to 53 players, and it leaves the team with just Bo Nix and Jarrett Stidham in its quarterback room. Ehlinger appeared in all three preseason games, completing 42 of 57 pass attempts for 415 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. He also took four sacks. The former sixth-round pick hasn't appeared in a regular season game since the 2022 campaign with the Colts. He's a candidate to join the practice squad in Denver or elsewhere, but his path to playing time includes numerous obstacles. He should be left on waivers in all fantasy leagues.