Zach Wilson‘s time in Latest York is about to return to an end. The Jets have found a trade partner for the previous No. 2 pick in the shape of the Broncos.
Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports the Jets will send Wilson to Denver as a part of a Day 3 pick swap. The teams will exchange sixth- and seventh-round picks, with Latest York acquiring No. 203 and the Broncos adding Wilson and No. 256. As well as, the Jets will eat a few of Wilson’s $5.45MM 2024 compensation.
Dianna Russini of The Athletic notes this agreement has been within the works “for weeks.” The Broncos have long been linked to a quarterback addition this offseason, with Russell Wilson unsurprisingly being released. That move left a emptiness under center, but within the lead-in to the draft Jarrett Stidham was in place atop the depth chart. That may remain the case in the intervening time, but Wilson represents a young depth option for Denver. One yr stays on the latter’s rookie contract.
Having did not secure a long-term answer under center with Sam Darnold, the Jets chosen Wilson second overall in 2021. That made him considered one of five first-round QBs that yr, but just one (Trevor Lawrence) remains to be along with his original team. Wilson – who logged 33 starts in three seasons as a Jet – joins Trey Lance, Justin Fields and Mac Jones in having been dealt at a fraction of the associated fee relative to the draft capital utilized in their selection.
Following a rookie season wherein Wilson struggled with accuracy and turnovers, he didn’t progress as hoped in Yr 2. The 24-year-old was limited to nine contests in 2022 and saw Mike White take over as Latest York’s starter. That led to an aggressive pursuit of Aaron Rodgers last offseason, and while his Achilles tear prompted Wilson to once more see game motion, things didn’t go as planned. Wilson specifically and the Jets’ offense as an entire struggled mightily.
Consequently, it got here as no surprise when the BYU alum was given permission to search out a trade partner. Wilson’s cap charge ($11.1MM) and poor play hindered his value, and as expected the Jets have needed to connect draft capital to him to land a pick in return. Considering the gap between when Latest York began fielding offers and today’s agreement being reached, this marks a miniscule (but nevertheless expected) price from the Jets’ perspective.
More to return…
