Zach Wilson’s time in New York has ended abruptly after the Jets have actively searched for a trade partner but weren’t able to find one quickly
Another one gone. The New York Jets have traded exiled and ostracized quarterback Zach Wilson to the Denver Broncos in exchange for a late-round swap of picks. Denver will receive Wilson and the Jets’ seventh round pick (no. 256) while New York will get the Broncos’ sixth-round pick (no. 203).
The New York Jets will also have to eat half of Wilson’s $5.5 million salary in 2024. New York had been trying to get something for Wilson after three seasons of abysmal play for the Jets. The team had been trying to find a potential suitor for Wilson, but it seemed as though no one in the league wanted the troubles that came along with him. In three seasons, Wilson managed to only win 36% of his games, going 12-21 as the Jets’ starter.
The Jets drafted Wilson high– at the number two pick of the 2021 NFL Draft, and the return has never surfaced. He was benched over three times in his career due to poor play, with coaches opting to put in players like Mike White and even Tim Boyle at times rather than have Wilson play another snap. Then rumors came out deep into 2023 that Wilson was done with the Jets and wanted to preserve his body to play elsewhere as the writing was on the wall.
Wilson’s time in New York might’ve been tumultuous– but he will get a second shot in Denver. The team will look to add some depth at quarterback. And without a long-term strategy at quarterback, it’d be hard to rule out any starting opportunities for Wilson in the Mile-High City.
