Sean Payton on Ehlinger: "He has a moxie about him ... there are winning traits."

The Denver Broncos have retained quarterback Sam Ehlinger on their practice squad after he declined offers from other teams to join their active rosters.

Why it matters: This decision reflects the Broncos' commitment to building depth at the quarterback position, especially under head coach Sean Payton's leadership as the team looks to improve its roster compared to previous seasons.

Ehlinger, who was released by the Broncos, performed well during the preseason as the third-string quarterback, completing 73.7% of his passes for 415 yards along with two touchdowns and one interception. His willingness to remain with the Broncos despite interest from other teams highlights his belief in the team's direction and his potential role within it.

What’s new: The Broncos currently have Bo Nix and Jarrett Stidham ahead of Ehlinger on the depth chart, which indicates a competitive quarterback landscape within the organization.

• Nix is set as the starting quarterback, while Stidham provides experienced backup options.
• This hierarchy suggests that Ehlinger will need to continue developing his skills and seize any opportunities that arise throughout the season.

Yes, but: Although the Broncos appear confident in their quarterback situation, having multiple quarterbacks with varied experience could lead to complications down the line.

• Payton noted the NFL's rules regarding third quarterbacks, emphasizing the importance of having players available on the active roster when injuries occur.
• Maintaining a balance between veteran experience and developing talent will be crucial as the season progresses.

What to watch: As the season unfolds, it will be important to monitor Ehlinger's progress on the practice squad and whether he earns a spot on the active roster.

• Payton has expressed admiration for Ehlinger's "moxie" and "winning traits," suggesting that he may see playing time if circumstances allow.
• The performance of Nix and Stidham could influence how quickly Ehlinger ascends the depth chart.

The bottom line: With Sam Ehlinger choosing to stay with the Broncos, the team reinforces its strategy of depth-building at the quarterback position, while also signaling confidence in both Nix and Stidham as they aim for improved performance this season.