The Denver Broncos are facing a pretty unique situation at quarterback this offseason. While Sean Payton is now at the helm, there are concerns with Russell Wilson, who is coming off the worst season of his professional career. The team has already made one move to alleviate those concerns, bringing in veteran quarterback, Jarett Stidham. Though those concerns haven’t been completely eased, as the team is bringing in another veteran quarterback.
According to a report from league insider Ari Meriov of The 33rd Team, Denver has extended a minicamp invitation to veteran quarterback Ben DiNucci, who most recently played with the Seattle Sea Dragons of the XFL. He was previously with the Dallas Cowboys from 2020-21 and has one career NFL start.
“Former #Cowboys QB Ben DiNucci has been invited to #Broncos minicamp. He was the starting QB for the XFL’s Seattle Sea Dragons,” Ari Meriov said in a tweet.
Former #Cowboys QB Ben DiNucci has been invited to #Broncos minicamp. He was the starting QB for the XFL's Seattle Sea Dragons.
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) May 4, 2023
It’s a pretty big and important move given the team’s issues at the quarterback position, and the NFL world had plenty to say about it.
Happy for Ben DiNucci.
Hope he pulls a Mike White & makes it.
— JBay31 (@JBay31) May 4, 2023
Former #Cowboys & Current @XFLSeaDragons QB Ben DiNucci has been invited to Denver #Broncos camp.
Look at this Mahomes-esque throw to Josh Gordon for a TD! 🤯🔥
(per: @XFL2023)
— The Athletes Plug (@TheAthletesPlug) May 4, 2023
Sea Dragons QB Ben DiNucci keeps the Seattle to Denver quarterback pipeline strong. https://t.co/K5pxess63y
— Shane Lantz (@ShaneMLantz) May 4, 2023
Ben DiNucci led the XFL in passing yardage, passing touchdowns, completions & attempts … but being the league leader in interceptions meant he was fourth among seven eligible QBs in passer rating. But in the end, he’ll get a tryout shot with the Broncos: https://t.co/Qn6zNb7LWU
— Andrew Mason (@MaseDenver) May 4, 2023
Ben DiNucci looked like a GOOD NFL backup during his XFL play https://t.co/Di4GTVyyNc
— Zach Segars (@Zach_Segars) May 4, 2023
THAT'S OUR QB 🔥🐉 https://t.co/76OWMrVbKo
— Seattle Sea Dragons (@XFLSeaDragons) May 3, 2023
Wilson will obviously enter training camp as the starter, as Payton and the Broncos look to reinvent the nine-time Pro Bowler. Stidham, meanwhile, is quite unproven but has been a serviceable backup during his time with New England and Las Vegas. If Wilson’s struggles continue, it’ll be interesting to see just how long Denver’s leash is for him.
The team obviously hopes that DiNucci can provide some depth and replicate what he did in the XFL — minus the turnovers — to the next level. In 1o games with the Sea Dragons in 2023, DiNucci completed 64.7 percent of his passes for 2,671 yards with 20 touchdowns and 13 interceptions.
[Ari Meriov on Twitter]
