Posted on Apr 22
Broncos acquire Zach Wilson from Jets in trade, reshaping quarterback landscape
u/alex •
DENVER, CO -- In a surprising move, the New York Jets have traded quarterback Zach Wilson to the Denver Broncos, according to a source familiar with the situation. The Jets received a sixth-round pick (No. 203) in this year's NFL draft from the Broncos, while also giving up a seventh-round pick (No. 256). The deal includes the two teams splitting the $5.5 million salary Wilson is due for this season.
Shifting Quarterback Dynamics
With this trade, only one quarterback remains with his original team out of the five quarterbacks selected in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft. Trevor Lawrence stands as the sole remaining quarterback who has not been traded. The other four quarterbacks, including Wilson, have all found new homes.
Wilson's Requested Trade
The decision to trade Wilson comes after three tumultuous seasons with the Jets. Last year, he served as a backup and requested a trade due to his dissatisfaction with the team. The Jets granted him permission to explore potential trades, and after skipping the first week of the voluntary offseason program, a suitable trade was eventually finalized.
Broncos' Quarterback Situation
Following the acquisition of Wilson, the Broncos now have Aaron Rodgers, who is recovering from Achilles surgery, and newly signed backup Tyrod Taylor as their only quarterbacks on the roster. However, it is expected that the Broncos will select a quarterback during the upcoming draft to solidify their position.
Contract Details and Flexibility
The contract between Wilson and the Broncos does not include the fifth-year option worth $22.4 million. As a result, Wilson will become a free agent in 2025. In 2024, he is set to earn $5.45 million, which is fully guaranteed in the final year of his contract.
The trade provides the Broncos with flexibility as they rebuild their quarterback position following the release of Russell Wilson. With the No. 12 pick in the first round of the upcoming draft, the Broncos will have an opportunity to select an impact player, possibly a quarterback, to bolster their roster.
Impact on the Jets
For the Jets, this trade clears $2.75 million in salary cap space. However, Wilson will still count as $8.43 million in dead money on this year's cap. The Jets will now have to focus on their future quarterback plans with Wilson's departure.
Wilson's Performance and Turbulent Tenure
Throughout his three years with the Jets, Wilson played in 34 games, resulting in an 11-21 record. He struggled with interceptions, throwing 25 compared to 23 touchdown passes, and had a completion rate of 57%. In terms of QBR, Wilson ranked 35th out of 36 qualified passers with a score of 33.6.
Wilson's time with the Jets was marked by benchings, injuries, and inconsistent performances. Despite initially being planned as a backup quarterback learning from Rodgers, injuries forced him back into the starting role. His tenure with the team concluded with a mix of criticism and occasional moments of success.
Jets' Quarterback Woes
The Jets have faced challenges with highly drafted quarterbacks in recent years. Sam Darnold, selected third overall in 2018, also struggled and was eventually traded away, paving the way for Wilson's arrival. The organization will need to carefully evaluate their quarterback strategy moving forward.
As the dust settles on this unexpected trade, the NFL landscape continues to shift, setting the stage for an intriguing season ahead. Both the Broncos and the Jets will be closely watched as they navigate the aftermath of this significant quarterback move.