The Denver Broncos have created a challenge for themselves this season. Veteran Russell Wilson, acquired in a blockbuster trade for the 2022 season, is already out of town. The Broncos decided to waive him in the final two weeks of the season to prevent injury and add guarantees to his contract.
It was something that had been teased about him for a few weeks, but he remained in the starting lineup after helping the team improve their record. Now that Wilson’s time in Denver is over and he is expected to be released eventually, the Broncos will have to look elsewhere for a starting tight end. Knowing they’ll need bodies in the offseason, they’ve already taken a step forward.
Ben DiNucci is slated to return for the 2024 season. He shared on social media that he has signed with the team, citing sources. DiNucci was a seventh-round pick of the Dallas Cowboys in the 2020 NFL Draft and started one game in his career, a 23-9 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in his rookie season. He completed 21 of 40 passes for a loss of 180 yards and added 22 yards on the ground.
However, he turns the ball over several times and hits it twice.It was DiNucci’s final NFL regular season. He spent the entire 2023 season on the Broncos’ practice squad and is seeking a promotion this season. The team will give him and starting pitcher Jarrett Stidham more competition in the final two weeks. Unfortunately, after finishing the 2023 season there, Stidham is certain to win the starting job for the 2024 season.
It was similar to what happened when they traded Derek Carr to the Las Vegas Raiders at the end of the 2022 season, who didn’t even want to pay the veteran’s contract. “I’m confident he can be the guy for us next year, there’s no question,” Stidham told reporters on Jan. 8. “But I’m going to do my best this season and work hard and learn as much as I can. “Of course, I’m happy for this opportunity,” he said.
The Broncos are 1-1 against Stidham in their last two games. He hasn’t wowed anyone with his stats, but he’s shown that he can handle Sean Payton’s offense with some success.
