their team. It doesn't sound like they want to mortgage their future to a QB they aren't 100% happy with. So, what that means is:

- They will draft a QB. It might be with the 12th pick, or it might not. They will not waste a #12 pick on the QB spot if they aren't happy with who is still available. They will fill other needs if that is the case, and then draft a QB in a later round.

- Either way, Zach will be competing with Stidham to start this season. He might also be competing with the #12 pick. But no matter what, Zach is being brought in to compete to be the opening day starter and potential full 2024 season starter.

- Unless Zach lights the world on fire, I don't think Denver plans on retaining him after this season. I think they view him as a potential stop gap for this season as they continue to rebuild the offense. That's what I mean by the long term view. They know this season is going to be on the rough side and they just want somebody decent holding the QB spot down for a bit.