As it begins, Stidham is the QB. McGlinchey: “I love Stidy. I think he’s a very capable player – he’s more than that; he’s a good football player."
Credit: AP
Denver Broncos quarterback Jarrett Stidham passes against the San Francisco 49ers during the first half. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)
ENGLEWOOD, Colo — It’s been a while since so few introductions were needed on the first day of the Denver Broncos’ offseason.
Broncos players report Monday to their Centura Health Training Center for the first day of their 2024 offseason program. Second-year head coach Sean Payton will hold the first team meeting of the season and players at some point will break into strength and conditioning work as devised by Beau Lowery and Dan Dalrymple.
The small group of new players includes safety Brandon Jones, receiver Josh Reynolds, defensive lineman Malcolm Roach, inside linebacker Cody Barton and backup offensive linemen Matt Peart and Calvin Throckmorton.
It's been the Broncos’ quietest offseason in memory.
“We like it that way,’’ returning right tackle Mike McGlinchey said Sunday. “It’s all part of a plan, right? Sean and George (Paton, Broncos general manager) have a great plan in place for the future of our team for what they believe is how to build the team the right way. I believe in the guys that brought me here and I believe in what they’re going to do for our football team. And I’m excited to see what we’ve got.
“We’ve talked about how it’s not about winning the offseason. Sean isn’t worried about making splash moves that are popular. That’s just not how he rolls. I appreciate that. I think the patience and the quiet nature in which they operate during these times I actually I enjoy because I think it’s a good thing to play your cards close to your vest.”
Coming off their eighth consecutive non-playoff season, and seventh straight season with a losing record, many familiar players left the Broncos this offseason, most notably quarterback Russell Wilson, safety Justin Simmons, inside linebacker Josey Jewell, receiver Jerry Jeudy and center Lloyd Cushenberry III.
The Broncos starting quarterback as the offseason program commences: Jarrett Stidham. The NFL Draft and the Broncos’ No. 12 pick is 11 days away, and a prominent quarterback figures to be added at, or around that time. But for now it’s Stidham, who went 1-1 in place of the benched Wilson in the final two games of last season.
“I love Stidy,’’ McGlinchey said. “I think he’s a very capable player – he’s actually more than that; he’s a good football player. He’s made of the right stuff. He’s a competitor. He’s a leader. And I think he’s just been waiting for his shot to see what he can do.
Credit: AP
Denver Broncos offensive tackle Mike McGlinchey takes part in drills during a mandatory NFL football minicamp at the Broncos' headquarters Tuesday, June 13, 2023, in Centennial, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
“I’ve seen Jarrett play well almost every chance he’s gotten the chance to do so. And I wouldn’t expect anything to change moving into this season. I’m excited for him. I’m excited for the opportunity he’s going to have to compete to lead our football team. I can’t speak to what we’re going to do in the draft. I don’t know our plans are, but if it is Stidy, myself and the rest of our team truly believes in him and we’re going to play our (butts) off for him.”
McGlinchey proved he’s a team-first guy in a more tangible way this offseason as he agreed to have the bulk of his $15 million salary converted into a bonus, an accounting move that gave the Broncos another $11 million in cap room.
“I think it behooves anybody on our team to do so,’’ McGlinchey said. “It’s not like you take a pay cut or anything like that. Obviously, we were in a pretty rocky cap situation and if you can help out in that regard and bring other players in that’s what you want to do. I don’t feel a need to be a big cap hit number. I don’t know what the difference is, (the payout) is all the same. I want to be on a winning football team and more cap space equals more players so I’m all for it.”
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