Source + player page
Mile High Report fantasy football takes on Sam Ehlinger
Every source-backed article insight STACKED has extracted from Mile High Report about Sam Ehlinger.
23
Insights
8
Positive
4
Negative
Insight ledger
All Mile High Report insights about Sam Ehlinger
NegativeRoleAug 23, 2026
Sam Ehlinger only threw two passes in the preseason game, which the source views as a missed opportunity to evaluate his potential as a backup; the source speculates the coaches either protected Stidham or believe Ehlinger looks consistently worse in practice, with the latter being the more likely scenario.NegativeRoleAug 22, 2026
Ehlinger did not see action until the 4th quarter and only had two pass attempts, which is not a great sign considering he is apparently competing for the QB2 job. His offensive line made it impossible for him to accomplish much.NegativeUsageAug 19, 2026
Backup quarterback Sam Ehlinger threw to rookie tight end Justin Joly for a deep pass down the right sideline during practice, demonstrating involvement in the passing game. He also connected with Jonah Coleman on a wheel route during 7-on-7s.NegativeRoleAug 18, 2026
Backup quarterback threw an impressive pass to wide receiver Troy Franklin during Day 13 practice, with Franklin making a diving catch on the throw, demonstrating Ehlinger's ability to deliver accurate passes to receivers in stride.NegativeRoleAug 17, 2026
Got the 2nd half of the game as a young quarterback fighting for a backup spot; ball placement wasn't quite as on-target as Stidham's, but had a respectable night. Finished with a QBR of 81.5 on 10 of 14 passes for 67 yards.NegativeRoleAug 16, 2026
Sam Ehlinger's stock is down slightly after Jarrett Stidham's strong performance; Ehlinger was in the QB2 conversation heading into the game but that talk is now all but dead, though he played alright with the third-team offense.NegativeRoleAug 15, 2026
Ehlinger's quest to become the Broncos' backup quarterback likely ended after tonight's performance. He finished 10 for 14 for 67 yards with 23 yards rushing, but had a near interception and struggled to get the offense moving consistently in the second half. The source notes he may get run with the second team offense next week, but the backup competition is likely over.NegativeDepth ChartAug 15, 2026
Backup quarterback was reported to be on par with or better than Stidham during training camp, but Stidham looked significantly better in preseason opener despite both having different units and talent tiers. While it's early, the thought of the competition being close may have been exaggerated.NegativeRoleAug 15, 2026
Backup quarterback Sam Ehlinger took over the Broncos offense in the second half, leading drives that included a 55-yard field goal attempt (muffed snap, turnover on downs) and another drive in the fourth quarter that stalled, resulting in a missed 55-yard field goal attempt.PositiveRoleAug 14, 2026
Sam Ehlinger has shown noticeable growth in year two with the Broncos and in Sean Payton's offense, putting pressure on Jarrett Stidham for the QB2 role. He will get the second half of the preseason opener against the Falcons to compete for the backup quarterback position. The source notes that while Ehlinger has had strong moments this offseason, it would take him significantly outplaying Stidham to replace him, though the Broncos may also be generating film for other interested teams if they like both as backup options.NegativeRoleAug 12, 2026
Sam Ehlinger is expected to play the entire second half of the preseason opener vs. the Falcons, as part of an informal QB2 evaluation with Jarrett Stidham. Both Ehlinger and Stidham have been splitting reps with the second-team offense throughout camp. The source notes that the distribution of playing time between the two could flip in the following week, making their performance in this game a key evaluation point for the Broncos' backup quarterback decision.PositiveProjectionAug 11, 2026
Sam Ehlinger threw an absolute dime to Kolbe Katsis in the back of the end zone during the move-the-ball period, demonstrating accuracy on a difficult throw.NegativeRoleAug 5, 2026
Sam Ehlinger was getting QB2 reps on Day 5, ahead of Jarrett Stidham. He threw a nice pass to RJ Harvey for a big-time catch down the left sideline.PositiveProjectionAug 5, 2026
Took QB2 reps on Day 5 and looked good; Sean Payton emphasized there's no official competition happening; praised Ehlinger's comfort level with the offense, mobility, and ability to get in and out of plays; noted his great pedigree, college success (won games at Texas, beat Georgia in New Orleans), and that he's fitting right in with the team.PositiveUsageAug 4, 2026
Quarterback Sam Ehlinger had the best offensive play of Day 4 practice, sprinting to the left on a play-action, stopping, and throwing to the right side of the field where running back Jaleel McLaughlin was wide open for a touchdown. This performance highlights Ehlinger's mobility and decision-making.PositiveRoleAug 4, 2026
Quarterback had probably the best offensive play of Day 4 practice when he hit running back Jaleel McLaughlin for a touchdown during the physical practice session.NegativeRoleAug 3, 2026
Quarterback Sam Ehlinger worked with the third team offense during pads practice, behind starters Bo Nix and backup Jarrett Stidham.PositiveRoleAug 1, 2026
Backup quarterback Sam Ehlinger ran with the second-team offense during 7-on-7s on Day 2, marking the first real sign of an emerging backup QB competition with Jarrett Stidham (who dropped to third-team reps). Ehlinger has impressed Broncos coaches on and off the field since signing last year. Head Coach Sean Payton noted the team saw "immediate growth" from Ehlinger last season and that Ehlinger felt good about continuing with the offense, though Payton downplayed the significance of the QB2 reps. The source assesses it is still surprising if Ehlinger surpasses Stidham, but he is getting a legitimate shot to compete.NegativeRoleJul 28, 2026
Ehlinger is the QB3 who bounces on and off the roster; Jk Dobbins is not fully buying the Sam Ehlinger for QB2 talk and needs to see it play out before firmly believing it can happen.NegativeDepth ChartJul 27, 2026
Ehlinger enters training camp competing for the backup quarterback job against Jarrett Stidham, with the Broncos returning the same three QBs from the prior season.NegativeRoleJul 26, 2026
Sam Ehlinger is competing with Jarrett Stidham for the backup QB role in 2026. While Ehlinger may have a slight edge in arm strength, the source assesses Stidham's overall mechanics and system familiarity as superior. Ehlinger's salary cap hit is $2 million versus Stidham's $8 million, but the source believes coaching staff will prioritize performance over cap savings in the backup decision.PositiveRoleJul 24, 2026
Sam Ehlinger joined the team as QB3 last season and quickly impressed the Broncos coaches on and off the field. He re-signed with the team this offseason and, according to reports from OTA and minicamp, looked pretty good and may have even outplayed Stidham. The source believes Ehlinger could push for the QB2 role if he outplays Stidham consistently throughout camp.PositiveRoleJul 22, 2026
Ehlinger signed a one-year, $2 million deal with Denver in 2026 and is pushing for the backup QB job behind Bo Nix. During offseason practices with Nix sidelined, Ehlinger outperformed Jarrett Stidham according to reports and looked like the better player. Head Coach Sean Payton praised his system fit, noting 'he's getting reps' and 'he's doing well with the system,' highlighting spontaneous plays that don't show up in practice. In his second year in the system, Ehlinger could pressure Stidham for the QB2 role, though Stidham's $12 million two-year contract and Payton's prior faith in him make him the likely favorite to retain the backup spot.