In his 17 years as a coach, Sean Payton now has a rookie quarterback under his wing for the first time. Payton’s Denver Broncos selected Bo Nix in the first round of the NFL draft. They then traded up to get Nix’s favorite target at Oregon, wide receiver Troy Franklin, in the fourth round.
“We kept noticing Troy while watching Bo Nix on tape,” said Broncos assistant general manager Darren Mougey. “Scouts and coaches all had their eyes on Troy.”
The upcoming 2024 season will reveal whether Payton can remain patient with Nix as he goes through the typical challenges that rookie quarterbacks face in the NFL.
“The challenge is exciting, but we still want good quarterback performance,” Payton said. “Strong defense and a running game are key to supporting a young quarterback.”
And with a solid team around him, Payton feels less anxious.
Last year, Payton became known for his tense interactions with Russell Wilson during games. Wilson was benched for Jarrett Stidham in the final two games, leading to his departure from the team this offseason.
Although Wilson signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers in free agency, the Broncos are still responsible for most of his salary for the upcoming season.
Nix, as the 12th overall pick, is set to sign a four-year contract worth $18.6 million, including a $10 million signing bonus. The specifics of draft pick contracts are determined by a formula linked to the salary cap.
Franklin’s presence should aid Nix’s transition. He caught the majority of his touchdowns from Nix during their time together at Oregon, showcasing a strong connection on the field.
