Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix completed 16 of 27 passes for 123 yards on Sunday, and the Broncos beat the Los Angeles Chargers 23-17 behind three takeaways and a fourth-down stop.
Nix said afterward that he didn’t think it was his best game and that the Broncos again got to third down quickly.
The former Oregon star is in his third season and is signed through 2027 on his rookie deal, and the Broncos hold a fifth-year option for 2028.
Analysts Weigh Denver Broncos’ Contract Decision on Bo Nix
NFL Media analyst Brett Kollmann, who hosts NFL Pro, wrote on Monday that the option will have to be discussed if Nix’s play continues this way.
“The numbers aren’t good. The tape isn’t good,” he wrote on X. “Nothing is good outside of a few 4th quarter throws to dig out of holes he helps create.”
If it keeps going this way, we are going to have to have a discussion about whether Bo Nix gets his fifth year option picked up.
The numbers aren’t good. The tape isn’t good. Nothing is good outside of a few 4th quarter throws to dig out of holes he helps create.
— Brett Kollmann (@BrettKollmann) October 12, 2026
Through Week 5, Nix’s 80.8 passer rating ranks 25th of 31 qualified quarterbacks, and Pro Football Network’s QB Impact Metric has him ranked 28th of 34 graded quarterbacks with a 68.6 grade.
Sports Illustrated NFL writer Matt Verderame went further. “If I’m the Broncos, barring major improvement, I’d ride out his rookie deal and move on. There’s no way I’m giving him a massive contract.”
Nix isn’t good. He hasn’t been good. He’s an average-at-best QB who is given 60 minutes to do anything by a very good defense.
If I’m the Broncos, barring major improvement, I’d ride out his rookie deal and move on. There’s no way I’m giving him a massive contract. https://t.co/1h6AKxF1cj
— Matt Verderame (@MattVerderame) October 12, 2026
Denver scored after each of Sunday’s three takeaways and its fourth-down stop, and Nix said afterward that he did not think the Broncos would have won without those short fields.
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“I applaud the team that will be brave enough to say we don’t want to play the QB purgatory game but we haven’t seen it yet,” Ted Nguyen, an NFL staff writer for The Athletic, wrote Monday about NFL teams in general.
I applaud the team that will be brave enough to say we don’t want to play the QB purgatory game but we haven’t seen it yet https://t.co/y1HHRVsarA
— Ted Nguyen (@FB_FilmAnalysis) October 12, 2026
Asked in June about a long-term extension, Nix said, “I love this team. I’ll play as long as they want to have me.”
Critics Debate Whether Nix or Sean Payton’s Play-Calling Holds Back Broncos
Sunday was Broncos coach Sean Payton’s first game calling plays since he took the job back from offensive coordinator Davis Webb, and Denver finished with 224 total yards and converted one of 12 third downs. “I’m watching the film offensively, and there are a ton of things we’re not doing well right now, so that has to improve,” Payton said Monday.
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“The Broncos’ play calling isn’t the issue,” podcast host Joel Moran wrote. “Bo Nix is the issue.”
“I am way more concerned about Bo Nix than I am Justin Herbert right now,” Marcus Mosher, who hosts “Locked On Fantasy Football,” wrote. “There are at least some valid reasons why Herbert is struggling. What is the excuse for Nix right now?”
I am way more concerned about Bo Nix than I am Justin Herbert right now.
There are at least some valid reasons why Herbert is struggling.
What is the excuse for Nix right now? https://t.co/LXGGBxkJ6i
— Marcus Mosher (@Marcus_Mosher) October 12, 2026
Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert has a 70.2 passer rating through Week 5 and has been sacked 17 times, compared with six sacks for Nix.
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Steven Haglund, another podcast host, replied to Kollmann with a different read. “There’s also so many screens and conservative run calls each week that make be believe Payton doesn’t genuinely believe in Nix’s ability to elevate the offense.”
@BrettKollmann There’s also so many screens and conservative run calls each week that make be believe Payton doesn’t genuinely believe in Nix’s ability to elevate the offense.
— Steven Haglund (@StevenIHaglund) October 12, 2026
Asked Monday about Nix taking more risks throwing the ball, Payton said, “I think there are certain throws that we’re going to be aggressive with. There are other throws that we’re going to be smart with.”
Nix averages 6.0 intended air yards per pass attempt through Week 5, the shallowest of 31 qualified quarterbacks, according to Next Gen Stats.
Doubts About Nix Predate His Slow Start to the 2026 Season
Other replies to Kollmann went back further. “He was never very good to begin with. Wasn’t a good prospect,” one account wrote.
As a rookie in 2024, Nix threw for 3,775 yards and 29 touchdowns with a 93.3 passer rating. Denver won 14 games and earned the AFC’s No. 1 seed last season before he broke his ankle in a Divisional Round win over the Buffalo Bills, and he had two ankle surgeries in the offseason.
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“I got crucified by friends and peers for saying I didn’t think he’s that good and that he was a bottom half of the league starter,” another account replied to Kollmann.
@BrettKollmann I got crucified by friends and peers for saying I didn’t think he’s that good and that he was a bottom half of the league starter. I’ll stand on that whether I’m right or wrong.
— Snorlax Enjoyer (@SnorlaxEnjoyer1) October 12, 2026
In 2025, Nix’s 87.8 passer rating tied for 26th among 33 qualified quarterbacks, though his 3,931 passing yards ranked eighth in the NFL.
“Easily the most boring QB in the league. Nothing about his game is impressive. Even when he plays his absolute worst, it’s not even entertaining,” a third account wrote.
Payton declined Monday to grade Nix’s confidence, and the Broncos host the Seattle Seahawks (3-2) on Thursday night.
