There’s a reason why the Denver Broncos’ fan base panicked when Bo Nix was diagnosed with a season-ending ankle injury after the organization’s overtime AFC Divisional round victory over the Buffalo Bills last season.

While Jarrett Stidham isn’t the worst backup quarterback in the league, he certainly isn’t the most reliable option to have, explaining why many had zero faith he could enter Nick Foles mode and be at the forefront of a Super Bowl run as a No. 2 signal-caller.

Despite a remarkable defensive effort, the Broncos suffered a 10-7 loss in the AFC championship game to the New England Patriots, a game in which Stidham and Denver’s offense never developed a consistent rhythm (Stidham completed 17 of 31 passes for 133 yards, one touchdown, one interception, and one fumble).

Bleacher Report’s Alex Kay doesn’t like the idea of Stidham starting the 2026-27 season as the Broncos’ backup QB, prompting him to name Denver as a possible landing spot for the Pittsburgh Steelers’ record-setting 30-year-old signal caller (he completed 90% of his passes against the Seattle Seahawks in 2023-24, which is a franchise record).

“To Rudolph’s credit, he has been a reliable option when called upon—throwing for 3,395 yards and 21 touchdowns while compiling an 8-5-1 record as Pittsburgh’s starter,” Kay wrote Tuesday.

“The Steelers must now decide whether retaining an experienced veteran is worth taking valuable practice reps away from two developmental prospects learning behind (Aaron) Rodgers. Rudolph is entering the final season of a two-year, $7.5 million contract, making him affordable by quarterback standards.”

“Pittsburgh may value youth and roster flexibility more, however, meaning Rudolph could be expendable. The Steelers might attempt to carry four quarterbacks or explore trade options, but neither outcome seems particularly likely. If no trade materializes, Rudolph might find himself released before Week 1. Should that happen, the Denver Broncos would be a logical landing spot.”

Rudolph has been solid for the Steelers whenever he’s been called into action. The Oklahoma State product isn’t necessarily a difference-maker at the quarterback position, but he’s a respectable game manager who has experience competing in a playoff environment.

If the Steelers elect to move forward with Rodgers, Drew Allar, and Will Howard while searching for a trade suitor for Rudolph, the Broncos should contact the Steelers immediately if they don’t want a repeat of last season’s third-round playoff disappointment.