The Denver Broncos have three quarterbacks under contract for 2026, including starter and former first-round draft pick Bo Nix. But the Broncos still drew attention with their interest in Athan Kaliakmanis.
Denver re-signed Sam Ehlinger this offseason, and they still have Nix’s backup, Jarrett Stidham, in the fold.
Still, Kaliakmanis is on the Broncos’ radar.
Broncos Linked to Ex-Rutgers QB Athan Kaliakmanis
“Rutgers @RFootball quarterback and @GopherFootball transfer Athan Kaliakmanis had a Zoom meeting with #Broncos today per a league source,” KPRC 2’s Aaron Wilson reported on X on March 25. “He has a top 30 visit with the #Bengals as well as #Commanders. Also had formals with #Raiders and #Bengals. Will also be apart of #Bears #Giants, and #Eagles local prospect days.”
Kaliakmanis threw for 8,603 yards, 55 touchdowns, and 27 interceptions on 56.3% completion during his collegiate career, but could be a project for the Broncos in the draft or after. He posted a 3,124-20-7 line on 62.2% completion during his final season in 2025.
“I continue to be so impressed with the growth of Rutgers QB Athan Kaliakmanis,” Pro Football Focus’ Trevor Sikkema posted on X in September 2025. “Would not have been drafted in last year’s class. Now I’m not sure there’s a more accurate quarterback in the country. Stock has soared through the first half of this year.”
Kaliakmanis’ production slipped from that point on.
The growth that he showed to begin the season could be enough to intrigue the Broncos as a draft or sign-and-stash option for the practice squad, with Nix, Stidham, and Ehlinger in place.
Broncos Could Be Planning for Future at QB
Nix is under contract through 2027, and the Broncos have his fifth-year option and up to three franchise tags before they must make a long-term decision. Ehlinger and Stidham will be free agents in 2027, though, adding another reason why Kaliakmanis could appeal to the Broncos.
Stiham has been with the Broncos since 2023. A former fourth-round pick of the New England Patriots, he has also played for the Raiders.
Ehlinger was a sixth-round selection of the Indianapolis Colts in 2021.
Stidham stepped in for an injured Nix during the playoffs for the AFC Championship Game against the Patriots and struggled. Ehlinger has not seen the field during a regular-season game since the 2023 season.
Athan Kaliakmanis Has Options
There is an alternative pathway for Kaliakmanis if the four-year Big 10 contributor has intentions of competing for playing time right away, or opportunities with the Broncos or other NFL teams fall through.
“The Montreal Alouettes have added Rutgers University quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis to their exclusive negotiation list,” 3 Down Nation reported in January.
“CFL teams can claim the rights to up to 45 players via the negotiation list on a first-come, first-served basis, provided that they are not eligible for the Canadian or Global Drafts, and have never played in the league before. These players can be added, traded, or removed from the list at any time.”
The move does not imply Kaliakmanis’ interest or intent to venture into the CFL.
“Some are unaware that their rights have even been claimed,” 3 Down Sports added. “Players can only force their removal from the list if the team does not provide them with a minimum contract offer at their request.”