As the football landscape gears up for the new season, there have been numerous eye-catching developments. Among the most fascinating of these is the rise of former XFL Sea Dragons quarterback, Ben DiNucci, within the Denver Broncos‘ ranks.
On Tuesday, the Broncos officially confirmed roster movements, including the signing of kicker Brett Maher and wide receiver Nick Williams. Concurrently, the team announced it had waived quarterback Jarrett Guarantano, paving the way for DiNucci to clinch the QB3 position.
The cutting of Guarantano signaled an end to the only quarterback competition that had been running before training camp kicked off. As the dust settles, DiNucci remains, standing out with his impressive touch and audacious attempts at threading the needle.
Broncos’ coach, Sean Payton, commended DiNucci’s ability to take charge in the huddle and distribute the ball effectively. But more than that, he praised DiNucci’s decision-making and football IQ, which are seen as key to his team’s offensive cohesion.
Interestingly, the NFL recently incentivized teams to maintain their third quarterback by permitting them to be active on an emergency basis without affecting the game-day active player count. This adjustment could increase DiNucci’s chances of securing a place in the primary roster.
With a strong track record from the XFL and a solitary starting experience with the Dallas Cowboys in 2020 under his belt, DiNucci seems well-poised to seize his newfound opportunity. Coach Payton pointed out that his XFL tenure offered DiNucci valuable game-speed snaps, making him a calm and experienced player despite his relative youth.
As Russell Wilson and Jarrett Stidham have locked down the top two spots, DiNucci’s road to the QB3 position in Denver has been intriguing. Given his aptitude and experience, he could be an invaluable asset to the Broncos’ upcoming season, not just as a reliable backup but as a potential playmaker waiting in the wings.
