For the first time in what feels like forever, the Denver Broncos enter training camp without the uncertainty of a quarterback competition overshadowing a new season. With Russell Wilson under center, the Broncos approach camp in a fantastic spot, with plenty to be excited about.

The only question surrounding quarterback is how the Broncos plan to keep three quarterbacks on their roster.

Denver Broncos quarterback room

With Russell Wilson and Josh Johnson being the newest additions on the roster at the position, the Broncos quarterback room is entirely different this season minus Brett Rypien. Even the team’s quarterback coach will be different in 2022 after Broncos head coach Nathaniel Hackett brought former Minnesota Vikings offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak onto his staff.

Installing a new offense has its challenges, but Hackett believes that being on the same page with his coaches and quarterbacks will help bridge the gap with any obstacles.

“I’m so lucky to have Klint Kubiak and [Offensive Coordinator] Coach [Justin] Outten,” Hackett said during Broncos’ offseason organized team activities. “Both of those guys have just been awesome. I think that it starts with us as coaches being on the same page so there’s only one voice, and then going into that room together, making sure we’re all talking, we’re all communicating and saying the same thing. So really, it’s the four of us. And you include Josh and ‘Ryp’. We all have to be on the same page because you never know what’s going to happen. We just have to make sure that communication goes well, [regardless] if I’m not there or if I am there. We watched the tape together; we do a lot of communicating. That’s why we’re here a lot.”

Despite the changes at the position, all three Broncos QBs are tight-knit and on the same page when it comes to adapting the blend between Hackett’s offense and concepts that Wilson has had success in over his career.

Is there any competition for the Broncos’ backup quarterback job?

While it’s clear that Wilson will be the Broncos’ franchise player under center, it’s unclear whether or not the team’s backup job is up for grabs. 

The Broncos moved on from last year’s starter Teddy Bridgewater in the offseason, while packaging Drew Lock to the Seattle Seahawks in exchange for Wilson. During free agency, Broncos general manager George Paton added longtime veteran Josh Johnson to the roster. 

In 2021, Johnson started and appeared in games for two different NFL teams. With the New York Jets, he found himself playing in three games, throwing 334 yards, 3 touchdowns and 1 interception while completing 64% of his passes.

Johnson then found himself starting in place of Lamar Jackson’s backup Tyler Huntley for the Baltimore Ravens for one game in 2021. In his only game in Baltimore, Johnson threw for 304 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 1 interception while completing over 70% of his passes.

Throughout his career, Johnson has proven to be a capable backup when called upon. In the event something were to ever happen to Wilson, Johnson’s skill set provides the Broncos with a solid security blanket. 

Brett Rypien returns after position regime turnover

For Brett Rypien, he enters his third season with the Denver Broncos, maintaining a role as a backup option. Internally, the Broncos value Rypien who has a bright football IQ and has the mind of a coach. He’s also stepped up when called upon by the team when needed.

The Broncos’ high regard for Rypien could lead to them keeping a total of three quarterbacks on the roster. While it appears Johnson will be the main backup to Wilson this season, Rypien could make a case for himself if he has a strong training camp and preseason in comparison to him.