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

Wilson arrived because the Jets’ handpicked future beneath heart, however went simply 3-10 in a rookie yr that noticed him take 44 sacks, throw 11 interceptions and end with a sub-70 passer score whereas taking part in 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 group 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 be taught from the longer term Corridor of Famer, however he was shortly tossed again into the hearth simply 4 snaps into the common season because of Rodgers’ season-ending Achilles damage. Given one remaining — albeit not splendid — likelihood to show his viability as an asset value preserving past 2023, Wilson didn’t capitalize, going 4-7 and struggling extremely in some weeks to get the job carried out. By the top of the season, New York — and sure Wilson — have been prepared to maneuver on, however waited till the week of the 2024 NFL Draft to get a deal carried out.

Wilson heads to Denver to hitch a Broncos group looking for choices beneath heart following their cut up with Russell Wilson. Due to that divorce, Denver would not have the finances 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 beneath the path of a head coach like Denver’s Sean Payton. Wilson can have an opportunity to compete for a job with the Broncos, who’re preserving all choices open as they choose up the items from the failed Russell Wilson marriage.

We’ll see if Payton and basic 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.