The Denver Broncos are 3-2 through five weeks of the regular season and head into Thursday Night Football against the Seattle Seahawks with a real chance of winning this difficult matchup.

While the defense is a bit banged up, with Patrick Surtain II missing Week 6's matchup against the Seahawks, the offense is at full strength for Bo Nix and company. Sean Payton has taken over play calling, and there should be a lot of optimism for this offense.

However, as ESPN's Bill Barnwell highlighted, there are some real questions about Nix this season. It's not so much that the Broncos would bench him in 2026, but more so what his future beyond this season entails with the Broncos. Nix's job isn't safe.

Bo Nix faces questions on Broncos' future amid 2026 struggles

"The Broncos were hoping Nix would take a step forward after his great performance in the postseason and the addition of Jaylen Waddle," Barnwell writes. "If Nix doesn't get there, will the Broncos want to commit to him as their quarterback of the future on a second contract?"

While this might seem like an odd question for the Broncos, considering this is Nix's third NFL season, and normally one would expect him to leap with an improved offense, his underwhelming play hasn't inspired much confidence.

Besides, this is the final season the Broncos will see before deciding whether or not to extend him the fifth-year option, which would likely come in at around $30 million.

If Nix struggles like he has this season, with a 41.5 QBR (24th in the NFL) and three interceptions in some poor offensive performances, would the Broncos really want to commit a fortune to him long-term?

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It's hard to imagine Denver willingly spending so much on Nix if there's concern about his play going forward. Nix's future with the team seems to be in question, even if it's not about the 2026 or even 2027 seasons.

Denver is likely to stick with Nix for this season and next year, as his cheap rookie deal is worth trying to capitalize on.

But if he doesn't improve and return to his 2025 form, then it might be time for the Broncos to determine if signing him to a long-term deal is worth it.

So, as the rest of the season unfolds for Nix and the Broncos, it's important to remember that Nix might be playing for his Broncos' future.

If he thrives? Then the Broncos' front office might be willing to sign him to an extension. But if he struggles? Then the 2027 NFL offseason might be time for the Broncos to start looking to make a change at quarterback, at least in their long-term plans.

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