NFL Exec: 'No Way' Sean Payton Begins Season with Broncos' QBs amid 2024 Draft Rumors

The Denver Broncos are in a very tricky position right now due to a lack of draft picks and an underwhelming roster, but one thing that seems almost certain is they will add a quarterback at some point in the 2024 NFL draft.

One AFC executive told ESPN's Jordan Reid there is "no way" Broncos head coach Sean Payton goes into next season with only the current quarterbacks on the depth chart.

After releasing Russell Wilson in March, the Broncos' quarterback room currently features Jarrett Stidham as the starter and Ben DiNucci as the backup.

Denver has been frequently linked to quarterbacks in the first round of the draft. The team held a private workout with Michigan's J.J. McCarthy after his pro day. Payton told reporters they spent "four or five hours with him" during the workout.

Speaking to reporters at the NFL owners meetings last month, Payton said "it's realistic" the Broncos could trade up in the first round from their current spot at No. 12 overall.

Denver does have eight picks in the 2024 draft, but only two in the top 100 because its second-rounder was traded to the New Orleans Saints as part of the compensation for Payton. Five of its selections are between rounds five and six.

If there is a quarterback that Payton loves, it wouldn't be a surprise to see the Broncos make a trade. But from a roster-building standpoint, with only nine players under contract after the 2025 season, giving up future draft capital to move up might not be the best use of resources.

Of course, the Broncos could stay at No. 12 and select someone like Michael Penix Jr. or Bo Nix.

Nix has been campaigning for the Broncos to select him. He's drawn some comparisons to Drew Brees, which will almost certainly appeal to Payton.

Payton's modus operandi doesn't seem to be one of patience, especially at the quarterback position. The Broncos could be poised to make an aggressive move when the first round begins on April 25.