The New York Jets have finalized a deal sending Zach Wilson, the No. 2 overall pick of the 2021 NFL Draft, to the Denver Broncos in exchange for a late-round pick swap in the 2024 draft, according to NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero. As part of the trade, New York receives a sixth-round pick (No. 203), while Denver acquires a seventh-round pick (No. 256) along with Wilson.
While speculation surrounding Wilson’s departure from New York had been circulating for months, the destination remained uncertain until this week. Denver emerged as the acquiring team, securing the services of the former BYU standout and Utah native, who entered the league with high expectations but struggled to find his footing in the Big Apple.
Wilson was initially hailed as the Jets’ quarterback of the future but endured a challenging rookie season, posting a 3-10 record while facing significant pressure behind a porous offensive line. Despite hopes for improvement in his second year, Wilson continued to falter, prompting the Jets to pursue Aaron Rodgers in the 2023 offseason.
The 2023 campaign saw Wilson thrust back into action early due to Rodgers’ injury, offering him a final opportunity to prove his worth. However, his performance failed to meet expectations, leading both Wilson and the Jets to seek a fresh start.
In Denver, Wilson joins a Broncos team in need of quarterback solutions following their parting with Russell Wilson. With budget constraints limiting their options for an established starter, the Broncos view Zach Wilson as a potential candidate to compete for the starting role alongside Jarrett Stidham and Ben DiNucci.
The move presents an opportunity for Wilson to escape the intense scrutiny of New York and benefit from guidance under head coach Sean Payton. As Denver evaluates its quarterback situation ahead of the draft, one thing is certain: after three challenging years, Zach Wilson embarks on a new chapter in his career out west.
