Broncos QB Bo Nix Has 1 Lingering Issue, According to Kurt Warner

Hall of Famer Warner praises Nix's progress but says QB still needs to improve patience in the pocket.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 2:36am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a quarterback dropping back to pass, with the player's body and the football broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of color, conveying the complex decision-making and timing required to maximize an offense's explosive plays.A cubist interpretation of a quarterback's decision-making in the pocket, highlighting the nuances of patience and timing that can unlock an offense's big-play potential.Denver Today

Former NFL MVP quarterback Kurt Warner praised Denver Broncos QB Bo Nix for his playmaking ability and overall progress, but identified one lingering issue that he believes is preventing the Broncos' offense from maximizing its big-play potential: Nix's tendency to leave the pocket too quickly instead of staying patient and hitting deeper downfield throws.

Why it matters

As the Broncos' offense enters a new phase with offensive coordinator Davis Webb calling plays and the addition of dynamic receiver Jaylen Waddle, Nix's ability to stay poised in the pocket and capitalize on the offense's improved explosive-play potential becomes even more crucial for Denver's championship aspirations.

The details

Warner said Nix is 'a playmaker' who 'does not make many mistakes' and 'can make every throw,' but added that he would still like to see Nix 'stay in structure a little longer' instead of 'drifting into movement too early.' Warner's concern was not that Nix cannot create outside the pocket, as he called Nix one of the best throwers on the move in the league, but that Denver may be leaving 'some big opportunities' down the field by Nix not maximizing what's available within the structure of the offense.

  • On April 9, 2026, Kurt Warner made these comments in an interview with Denver Sports 104.3 The Fan.

The players

Bo Nix

The starting quarterback for the Denver Broncos, entering his third NFL season.

Kurt Warner

A Hall of Fame quarterback and former NFL MVP who now works as a football analyst.

Sean Payton

The head coach of the Denver Broncos.

Davis Webb

The offensive coordinator for the Denver Broncos, who will be handling play-calling duties in 2026.

Jaylen Waddle

A wide receiver the Broncos traded for from the Miami Dolphins, adding a dynamic speed threat to their offense.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Bo Nix is 'a playmaker,' does not make many mistakes and can make every throw. But I would still like to see him stay in structure a little longer instead of drifting into movement too early.”

— Kurt Warner, Hall of Fame quarterback and NFL analyst

What’s next

The Broncos will look for Nix to continue refining his pocket presence and decision-making during the offseason program and training camp, with the goal of him maximizing the offense's big-play potential in 2026.

The takeaway

Kurt Warner's critique of Bo Nix highlights an area for growth that could be crucial for the Broncos as their offense enters a new phase with an offensive coordinator change and the addition of dynamic receiver Jaylen Waddle. If Nix can become more patient in the pocket and consistently capitalize on the offense's improved explosive-play potential, it could take Denver's offense to another level in their pursuit of championships.