As per Ian Rapoport, the primary insider at NFL Network, the Denver Broncos have traded for Zach Wilson, the former second overall pick, from the New York Jets in exchange for a swap of late-round picks.
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Former #Jets starting QB and No. 2 pick Zach Wilson is on the move. Sources say he’s being traded to the #Broncos, hoping for a fresh start.
The deal includes a late-round pick swap (6th for a 7th) and NYJ will pay some of Wilson’s roughly $5.5M salary. pic.twitter.com/7Y1KShZ3sg
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 22, 2024
The Broncos have made a seemingly low-risk move by acquiring Zach Wilson from the Jets for minimal compensation—a sixth-round pick and a seventh-round pick, with the Jets also covering a portion of Wilson’s salary. While some may find this deal controversial, there’s potential for significant upside if Sean Payton can revitalize Wilson’s career.
Wilson, once heralded as a top prospect, struggled during his tenure with the Jets, facing benchings and inconsistencies. Despite being the second overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, his performance didn’t meet expectations. With just three seasons under his belt, he threw for 6,293 yards, 23 touchdowns, and 25 interceptions in 34 games. His completion rate for the past season stood at 60.1%, with 2,271 yards, 8 touchdowns, and 7 interceptions.
The decision to part ways with Wilson was mutual, as the fit with the Jets wasn’t working, compounded by his difficulty adjusting to the New York environment. The move to Denver brings him closer to his roots and places him under the guidance of one of the league’s top offensive minds.
Wilson’s arrival in Denver presents an opportunity akin to a lottery ticket for Sean Payton and the Broncos. Despite his struggles, his pedigree as a second overall pick offers hope for a turnaround in a more favorable setting. Comparisons are drawn to Payton’s success in rejuvenating Russell Wilson’s career after a confidence-shaking experience with another coach.
In Denver, Wilson is likely to compete with Jarrett Stidham for the starting role, with both vying for a roster spot if the Broncos opt to draft another quarterback early. While this move doesn’t necessarily rule out the Broncos pursuing a top quarterback prospect in the draft, it does provide them with a developmental option in case they miss out on their preferred choices.
Overall, the acquisition of Wilson represents a calculated risk for the Broncos, with the potential for significant rewards if Sean Payton can unlock his full potential. Given Wilson’s promising talent showcased during his college days, there’s optimism that this move could pay off handsomely for Denver.
