In a move that seemed inevitable after a tumultuous three-year stint, the New York Jets have traded quarterback Zach Wilson to the Denver Broncos.
The Jets will receive a sixth-round pick (No. 203) in the upcoming 2024 NFL Draft, while the Broncos will also get a seventh-round pick (No. 256) from the Jets.
Both teams will split Wilson’s $5.5 million salary for the 2024 season, with each paying $2.75 million.
Let’s take a look.
The New York Jets and Quarterback Zach Wilson Part Ways
The Jets’ decision to part ways with Wilson, their 2021 first-round pick (No. 2 overall), comes as no surprise.
The franchise had granted Wilson permission to seek a trade in late February, as the 24-year-old quarterback sought a fresh start after a challenging tenure marked by inconsistent play, injuries, and questions about his leadership abilities.
With this trade, only one of the five quarterbacks selected in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft remains with his original team: Trevor Lawrence, the No. 1 overall pick by the Jacksonville Jaguars.
The other four – Wilson, Trey Lance (No. 3 pick), Justin Fields (No. 11), and Mac Jones (No. 15) – have all been traded, reflecting the high-stakes nature of the quarterback position in the NFL.
Wilson’s Tumultuous Tenure with the Jets
Wilson’s time with the Jets was marked by struggles on and off the field. In 34 games as a starter, he posted an 11-21 record, with more interceptions (25) than touchdown passes (23) and a completion percentage of just 57%.
His QBR (33.6) ranked 35th out of 36 qualified passers during his three-year stint.
A draft week QB deal! It’s Pick 203 for Pick 256. https://t.co/waZCa9qgMm
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 22, 2024
The 2022 season was particularly challenging for Wilson, as he underwent knee surgery, was benched twice, and saw his leadership abilities questioned.
The final blow came in February when Jets owner Woody Johnson publicly stated the team needed a backup quarterback, a pointed remark about Wilson’s performance.
Despite the Jets’ offseason acquisition of Aaron Rodgers, the plan was initially for Wilson to learn from the future Hall of Famer. However, Rodgers’ season-ending Achilles injury in Week 1 thrust Wilson back into the starting role.
While he showed flashes of improvement, limiting turnovers but lacking offensive spark, the Jets eventually turned to backup Tim Boyle amid a three-game losing streak.
Wilson’s reluctance to return as the starter due to concerns about his trade value and potential injuries further strained his relationship with the Jets.
His final game of the 2023 season saw him suffer a concussion, leading to vision issues and an abrupt end to his campaign.
A Fresh Start for Wilson and the Broncos
The trade provides Wilson with an opportunity to revive his career in Denver, where he will be a free agent in 2025 as the Broncos are not expected to exercise his fifth-year option worth $22.4 million. Wilson is set to make $5.45 million in 2024, fully guaranteed.
For the Broncos, Wilson’s acquisition offers flexibility as they rebuild their quarterback position following the release of Russell Wilson.
With the No. 12 pick in the upcoming draft, the Broncos are expected to select a quarterback, adding to their depth alongside Wilson and veteran Jarrett Stidham.
As for the Jets, they clear $2.75 million in salary cap space, with Wilson counting $8.43 million in dead money for the 2024 season.
With Rodgers and newly signed backup Tyrod Taylor as their current quarterback options, the Jets may also target a quarterback in the later rounds of the draft to develop for their post-Rodgers future.
While the Jets’ investment in Wilson did not yield the desired returns, both parties now have an opportunity to move forward, with Wilson aiming to revive his career in Denver and the Jets focused on their future under the guidance of Aaron Rodgers and the team’s next wave of signal-callers.
Final Thoughts
The trade of Zach Wilson from the New York Jets to the Denver Broncos marks the end of a disappointing era for the 2021 #2 overall pick.
For Wilson, joining the Broncos provides a fresh start to revive his career, though Denver is not expected to pick up his 5th-year option for 2025. The Broncos add quarterback depth behind potential draft pick and incumbent Jarrett Stidham.
Meanwhile, the Jets move on from their Wilson investment, having cleared $2.75M in cap space. With Aaron Rodgers and Tyrod Taylor on the roster, New York may still draft a young quarterback to groom for the future.
Both Wilson and the Jets turn the page, with the former top prospect getting another chance in Denver and his original team resetting at the critical position under Rodgers’ guidance.
Only time will tell if this trade benefits both franchises long-term.
