The New York Jets agreed to a trade, sending the former second overall pick to the Denver Broncos. Aside from Wilson switching teams, the teams will agree to pick swaps and the Jets will shoulder a portion of the quarterback’s $5.5 million salary for 2024.
The Jets had high hopes for Wilson after his solid college football stint at BYU. Thus, they chose him after the Jacksonville Jaguars selected Trevor Lawrence. However, he hasn’t lived up to expectations during his three seasons with New York’s AFC team.
Wilson won only 12 of his 33 starts and threw more interceptions (25) than touchdowns (23). He completed on 57 percent of his throws and barely reached 60 percent last season.
The trade gives Zach Wilson a fresh start after taking over from Aaron Rodgers last season. He will join a quarterback rotation featuring Jarrett Stidham and Ben DiNucci. But despite the trade for Wilson, the Broncos are widely expected to select a quarterback in the upcoming draft, especially in the first round.
Meanwhile, Wilson’s departure shortens the Jets’ quarterback rotation. It’s a worrying proposition, considering Rodgers is returning from a season-ending Achilles tear and will turn 41 sometime during the 2024 NFL season.
Backing Rodgers is 34-year-old Tyrod Taylor who also has an extensive injury history.
The Jets finished the 2023 season at 7-10, with Zach Wilson starting in 11 games. Meanwhile, the Broncos ended their campaign at 8-9 with Russell Wilson making most of the starts.
-Lance Fernandez