Zach Wilson Traded to the Broncos
The New York Jets have agreed to a deal with the Broncos, sending Zach Wilson to Denver for a late-round pick swap. The former number two overall selection in the 2021 Draft will now get a second chance in a new home after three disastrous seasons in New York. The Jets had high hopes for Wilson after his career at BYU, coming into the NFL as a highly touted recruit with incredible arm talent. Although there were some flashes of promise, the situation never panned out for either party, ultimately leading to a trade three seasons into the QB’s career.
Wilson was thrown into the fire immediately upon arrival, taking the reins of a Jets team that had a 2-14 record the year prior. His first two seasons were disappointing, leading an 8-14 record all while throwing more interceptions than touchdowns. The Jets attempted to rebrand once again after this, bringing in a whole new culture with Aaron Rodgers as the new quarterback. The hope was for Rodgers to escalate the team to championship caliber, all while Wilson took a back seat and learned from the future Hall of Famer. From one disastrous situation to the next, this plan would last just four plays after Rodgers went down with a season-ending Achilles injury in the opening game against the Bills.
Immediately, the energy was taken from the stadium and the team. However, under the bright Monday night lights, Wilson led a comeback win over the Bills. Carrying heavy expectations once again, Wilson had another chance to bring success to New York. At first, he commanded the situation as best he could, leading the Jets to a 4-3 record all while showing some of the best flashes of football in his career. This did not last long, however, as the same Zach Wilson from the two seasons prior was seen. The Jets would go on to lose three games straight and Wilson was soon benched for the rest of the season.
After signing Tyrod Taylor to backup for Aaron Rodgers this offseason, the Jets were ready to give up on Wilson. The trade included Wilson and this year’s 256th pick being sent to Denver in exchange for the Broncos’ 2024 207th. The Jets will also pay half of Wilson’s salary this upcoming season. As for Wilson, he moves to Denver into a quarterback room including Jarrett Stidham and Ben DiNucci. It may be another sticky situation for the young QB, but it once again bodes as another chance to erase the title of “one of NFL’s biggest busts ever” and revitalize his career.
