To reach a stage that is bigger, Bo Nix has to play better.

It remains a critical component as the Broncos aim to move from a playoff team to a Super Bowl contender. From his work ethic to his mindset, everything suggests Nix will improve.

He is determined to exhaust all options this offseason — talking to Drew Brees and Peyton Manning, for instance — to take the next step forward. Like his team, he is hardly satisfied with a playoff appearance.

But to participate on this NFL weekend in 2026, Nix will have to rank among the top eight quarterbacks. For the sake of argument, who could he replace among those still playing?

All of the remaining quarterbacks are first-round picks, save for Jalen Hurts, who was a second-round selection. Four have reached the Super Bowl, and Patrick Mahomes and Matthew Stafford have won it.

Of the list, it is not hard to see Nix passing Houston’s C.J. Stroud and Hurts. Stroud shows the danger of linear projection. He regressed in his sophomore season as his top receivers missed chunks of time. Nix and Hurts are not dissimilar statistically, and Hurts drives home the point of why coach Sean Payton must involve Nix in the running attack more. Nix finished with 430 yards and four touchdowns rushing. A four-game stretch in November and December drained his total as he rushed for 9 yards, partly because of a back issue.

Hurts logged 630 yards and 14 scores on the ground. But Nix was responsible for 34 total touchdowns, compared to Hurts’ 32. The disparity was greater with Stroud, who was only responsible for 23 TDs.

One rookie remains in the field, Washington marvel Jayden Daniels. And the reasons why should be instructive to Nix. Daniels is a magician on fourth down and in the fourth quarter. Winning on money downs is part of Nix’s evolution. With better weapons around him — preferably a pass-catching tight end and dynamic running back — Nix will still be playing this time next postseason.

Sutton Sours >> Courtland Sutton has posted sweet numbers the past two seasons. Now, he has his own candy. In partnership with Colorado Candy Company and Sporty Sweets, the Broncos receiver is launching Sutton Sours on Saturday. It is described as a tangy treat available at select retailers and online at sportysweets.com.

Casey not at-bat >> The Avs’ Casey Mittelstadt remains in a disturbing slump, creating speculation that the team might consider trading the forward it acquired a year ago. He has 13 points over the past three months.

Mail Time

Q >> Your (column) about Bo Nix turning the Broncos into Super Bowl contenders next year was premature. The Broncos have eight games next year against playoff teams. You’ve obviously drank the Kool-Aid. A bit of pragmatism would be refreshing when writing about the Broncos’ future.

— Glenn, Vallejo, email

Renck >> Glenn’s not going to like the lead of this column either, is he? I understand the pushback. And my bullish nature on Nix comes with an asterisk: He needs upgraded playmakers. But I don’t buy into the schedule issue. Teams rarely stay the same year over year, and it all depends on when you face an opponent because of injuries. Even if the Broncos match their 10-win 2024 season, they will be more dangerous in the playoffs.