BREAKING; Broncos Reunite Sean Payton With Former Draft Pick Superstar  After Sudden QB Shift.

 

 

The Denver Broncos have added quarterback Ian Book to their roster, bringing in a player who shares a unique connection with head coach Sean Payton. While veterans Jarrett Stidham and Sam Ehlinger are already in the quarterback room, Book’s past with Payton could give him an edge, especially as he once played under the coach who drafted him in 2021 with the New Orleans Saints.

 

Book’s opportunity arose unexpectedly after Desmond Ridder backed out of a scheduled tryout. As a result, the Broncos invited Book for a veteran tryout during rookie minicamp, as reported by 9News’ Mike Klis on May 9. Book, 27, spent time with the Kansas City Chiefs and later with the Philadelphia Eagles last season, though he didn’t see any regular-season action. He joined the Eagles’ practice squad in January but never made the active roster during their Super Bowl run.

 

Book last appeared in a regular-season game in 2021, where he completed 12 of 20 passes for 135 yards and threw two interceptions with no touchdowns.

 

Sean Payton has spoken highly of Book in the past. Prior to the 2021 draft, when asked by Dan Patrick which prospect reminded him of his younger self, Payton pointed to Book, calling him a “scrappy” player and praising his ability to win games.

 

“He’s clearly a much better quarterback than I ever was,” Payton remarked on the “Dan Patrick Show.” “It’s fun to watch him—he just finds ways to win.”

 

Just days after the Saints drafted Book, Payton elaborated further during an interview on “The Rich Eisen Show.” He emphasized Book’s performance in high-stakes games and his poise under pressure, noting his athleticism, decision-making, and accuracy. “Every time you watched him, there was something positive. He’s a winner,” said Payton.

 

Book holds the record for most wins by a quarterback in Notre Dame history, a testament to his leadership and ability to perform when it matters most. Payton noted that Book’s draft slot aligned with the Saints’ scouting evaluation at the time.

People close to the game—from coaches and scouts to fellow players—consistently speak highly of Book’s character and football IQ, reinforcing the positive outlook surrounding his addition to the Broncos.

 

With his familiarity with Payton’s system and a proven track record of resilience, Ian Book could prove to be an intriguing piece in Denver’s evolving quarterback equation.