The Denver Broncos are keeping their options open at quarterback this offseason. With starter Bo Nix's status uncertain after undergoing a second procedure on the broken ankle he suffered during a playoff win over the Bills, head coach Sean Payton isn't ruling out adding another arm to the roster.

Currently, the Broncos have three quarterbacks on the roster. But during a Saturday press conference, Payton was asked directly if the team might bring in a fourth for the upcoming offseason program.

"That's a great question," Payton said. "We'll discuss that. We have 90 roster spots, so it's possible you can bring someone back in on a trial basis for minicamp. Generally, with those practices, two quarterbacks isn't a problem. It would be more of an issue if you felt a player was going to be on PUP in training camp, and that's not going to be the case here."

Payton didn't stop there. He hinted that the team has already been evaluating internal options, specifically mentioning E.J. Warner—the son of Hall of Fame quarterback Kurt Warner. The younger Warner has reportedly impressed the coaching staff with his quick adaptation to the offense.

"I'm not saying we couldn't sign an additional quarterback. We've discussed it, but really more in terms of, 'Do we see something in these two guys?' This Warner reminds me a lot of Chase Daniel. If you look at his height, weight, size, speed, they're very similar. He's done a nice job—especially considering he's coming off a weekend with different terminology, and he's kind of yawned at it. It's been real quick for him."

When asked about comparisons between E.J. and his famous father, Payton was quick to note the differences.

"He's entirely different. He's really stood out with getting in and out of the huddle. He has a quick release and a good stroke. A different type of player, even. He's probably more celebrated coming out of Fresno State than his dad was coming out of Northern Iowa."

Payton also reflected on how the college football landscape has changed, noting that players from smaller programs now often transfer to major schools, making the traditional scouting path less predictable.

"It's funny in today's college game—those players that came from Jackson State or Southern Illinois or those smaller schools end up playing at Auburn and Purdue. You don't see that as much anymore. Occasionally you do. The true I-AA or smaller school players end up in I-A. We were having this discussion about HBCUs..."

For now, the Broncos appear content to let Nix recover while giving Warner and the other quarterbacks a real chance to compete. But with training camp still ahead, don't be surprised if Denver adds another name to the depth chart before the pads come on.