Context:

The Denver Broncos are preparing for the 2025 season with Bo Nix as their starting quarterback, who showed promise as a rookie and is expected to improve with experience. To solidify their quarterback roster, the Broncos are exploring options behind Nix, with Sam Ehlinger and Jarrett Stidham as current backups. Initially considering former Atlanta Falcons draft pick Desmond Ridder for a tryout, the Broncos pivoted to Ian Book after Ridder's withdrawal. Book, who has previously worked with Broncos coach Sean Payton during his tenure with the New Orleans Saints, is vying for a backup or practice squad position. Book's career has been tumultuous, having played for multiple teams, including the Saints, Eagles, Patriots, and Chiefs, but he now has an opportunity to leverage his familiarity with Payton to secure a spot with the Broncos.

Dive Deeper:

• Bo Nix, the former Auburn and Oregon standout, is set to lead the Broncos in 2025 as their starting quarterback, following a promising rookie season that leaves room for growth.

• The Broncos are assessing their quarterback depth chart, with Sam Ehlinger and Jarrett Stidham currently positioned as the primary backups to Bo Nix.

• Desmond Ridder was initially slated for a rookie minicamp tryout with the Broncos, but his unexpected withdrawal prompted the team to seek alternatives.

• Ian Book, who was drafted by Sean Payton during his last year as the Saints' head coach, has been brought in for a veteran tryout with the Broncos, reuniting with Payton.

• Book's professional journey has been marked by stints with several NFL teams, including the Saints, Eagles, Patriots, and Chiefs, where he has faced challenges in securing a stable role.

• Despite throwing only 20 passes with two interceptions during his time with the Saints, Book's familiarity with Sean Payton offers him a chance to make an impression during the Broncos' minicamp.

• Book's latest opportunity with the Broncos represents a potential turning point, as he could earn a position as a backup quarterback or on the practice squad, leveraging his past experience and connection with Payton.

• The Denver Broncos are undoubtedly going to trot out Bo Nix as the starting quarterback in 2025. Nix played well as a rookie, and the former Auburn and Oregon star should only improve with another year under his belt. 

• Still, the Broncos are searching to finalize the QB depth chart behind Nix. As of now, Sam Ehlinger and Jarrett Stidham are the immediate options behind Nix. 

• The Broncos were also set to bring in former Atlanta Falcons draft pick Desmond Ridder to rookie minicamp, although reports came through that he isn't coming anymore. 

• On Friday morning, the Broncos decided to bring in another quarterback and one who was drafted by Sean Payton in his final year as New Orleans Saints head coach. 

• That quarterback is Ian Book, per a report from Broncos reporter Mike Klis. 

• With QB Desmond Ridder backing out of his vet tryout, Broncos are bringing in former Notre Dame/Saints QB Ian Book for vet tryout during rookie minicamp. Sean Payton selected Book in 4th round of 2021 draft for NO. Book with Chiefs early and Eagles late last year. Not bad.

• Book was selected No. 133 overall by the Saints in the 2021 NFL Draft after a stellar career at Notre Dame. However, he threw a total of 20 passes in New Orleans with two of those being interceptions. 

• He spent 2022 with the Philadelphia Eagles then 2023 on the New England Patriots practice squad and 2024 between the Kansas City Chiefs practice squad and then the Eagles again. The Eagles brought him to the active roster in December before releasing him and then bringing him back to the practice squad, so it's been a whirlwind for Book. 

• Now, he heads to Broncos camp with a familiar face in Payton and a chance to earn a spot as a backup or on the practice squad. 

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