Can the Broncos Sign Tom Brady After Bo Nix’s Injury? NFL Rules Explained
This article was originally published on Total Pro Sports.
The Denver Broncos suffered a huge blow in the AFC Divisional Round when quarterback Bo Nix fractured his ankle and was ruled out for the rest of the season. With the Broncos advancing to the AFC Championship Game, speculation immediately began about how Denver might replace Nix, including an out-of-the-box idea: Could legendary QB Tom Brady come out of retirement to play?
Bo Nix Injury and Broncos QB Situation
During Denver’s thrilling 33–30 overtime win over the Buffalo Bills in the AFC Divisional Round, star quarterback Bo Nix suffered a fractured right ankle, ending his 2025–26 season and forcing him out of the postseason. Head coach Sean Payton confirmed the injury and noted Nix would undergo surgery, leaving the Broncos to rely on backup Jarrett Stidham for the AFC Championship Game.
With Denver suddenly without its starter, fans began to speculate on dramatic roster moves, including the unlikely notion of signing Tom Brady to chase a Super Bowl.
Bo Nix –
I think the injury may have occurred on the plant just before he jumps. His right ankle is forced into eversion, lots of compression.
Maybe a fracture of the talus, navicular or cuboid, like a crush injury?Payton said ankle, not foot (thought Jones Fx at first).. pic.twitter.com/DpX7vCcZIb
— Jeff Mueller, PT, DPT (@jmthrivept) January 18, 2026
Why Signing Tom Brady Isn’t Possible
Despite fan excitement and off-season hypotheticals, the reality is that the Broncos cannot sign Tom Brady in 2026. Here’s why:
Brady’s Current Status
Tom Brady is retired from playing in the NFL and currently holds a minority ownership stake in the Las Vegas Raiders, an NFC/NFL franchise. This ownership status legally prevents him from signing as a player with any other NFL team, including the Broncos, due to conflict-of-interest rules embedded in league policies.
NFL rules prohibit individuals with ownership interests in one league franchise from being a contracted player for another team. Even if Brady wanted to retire his ownership share or sell it quickly, formal league processes and approval would be necessary, and those cannot be completed on short notice during the playoffs.
NFL Free Agent & Roster Rules
Under standard NFL rules, a team can sign an available unrestricted free agent at any point in the season, including the playoffs, provided roster limits and salary cap allowances are met. However, the player must be fully eligible, unrestricted, and not under contract or ownership status with another franchise.
Jarrett Stidham Steps In for Broncos
With Nix ruled out, the Broncos will turn to backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham, who has been with the team since 2023 and recently signed a two-year extension. Stidham has limited starting experience, but familiarity with Sean Payton’s offense makes him the logical choice.
Payton has publicly backed Stidham as his starter for the AFC Championship game, reinforcing that Denver’s QB future now hinges on internal roster solutions rather than outside additions.
Could Tom Brady Play Football Again in the Future?
While Brady could legally play again if he fully retired and divested his NFL ownership interest, such a scenario would take significant time and formal league approval. It’s highly unlikely — especially midseason that these actions could be completed in time for him to suit up for Denver or any other team during the 2025–26 playoffs.
Conclusion
In theory, NFL rules allow teams to sign free agents during the season and even the playoffs. In practice, however, the Denver Broncos cannot sign Tom Brady after Bo Nix’s season-ending injury because Brady currently holds an ownership stake with another NFL team, the Las Vegas Raiders, and league rules prohibit such a move. Instead, Denver will rely on backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham to lead the team in the AFC Championship Game. While fantasizing about Brady suiting up for Denver makes for fun conversations, the scenario is not legally or practically possible in the current NFL landscape.
