Jets trade QB Zach Wilson to Broncos in exchange for late-round pick swap

Wilson arrived because the Jets’ handpicked future underneath middle, however went simply 3-10 in a rookie 12 months that noticed him take 44 sacks, throw 11 interceptions and end with a sub-70 passer score whereas enjoying behind a leaky offensive line that made the NFL recreation overwhelming for the younger passer. He returned and carried out solely barely higher in his second season, dragging down a Jets crew that had an elite protection, however could not win on that alone, prompting New York to swing an enormous deal for Aaron Rodgers within the 2023 offseason.

Wilson was imagined to recede into the shadows in 2023 and hopefully study from the long run Corridor of Famer, however he was shortly tossed again into the fireplace simply 4 snaps into the common season on account of Rodgers’ season-ending Achilles damage. Given one last — albeit not ideally suited — probability to show his viability as an asset price holding past 2023, Wilson didn’t capitalize, going 4-7 and struggling extremely in some weeks to get the job executed. By the top of the season, New York — and certain Wilson — have been prepared to maneuver on, however waited till the week of the 2024 NFL Draft to get a deal executed.

Wilson heads to Denver to affix a Broncos crew looking for choices underneath middle following their break up with Russell Wilson. Due to that divorce, Denver would not have the funds to spend on a confirmed starter at quarterback, main the Broncos to take a flier on including Zach Wilson to a quarterbacks room that features Jarrett Stidham and Ben DiNucci.

It might be the proper alternative for Wilson, a quarterback in want of an escape from the extraordinary scrutiny of New York, and correct tutelage underneath the path of a head coach like Denver’s Sean Payton. Wilson may have an opportunity to compete for a job with the Broncos, who’re holding all choices open as they choose up the items from the failed Russell Wilson marriage.

We’ll see if Payton and common supervisor George Paton cease there at quarterback, or add one other when the draft kicks of Thursday evening in Detroit. One factor is for sure, although: After three arduous years in New York, Zach Wilson can lastly pack his possessions for a brand new alternative elsewhere.