Zach Wilson’s tenure with the New York Jets concluded with a trade to the Denver Broncos, announced on Monday. The deal saw Wilson and the No. 256 pick in the 2024 NFL draft sent to Denver in exchange for the No. 203 overall pick.
Prior to the trade, the Jets had approximately $1.1 million in cap space, while the Broncos had $17 million, with the financial details indicating a split of Wilson’s guaranteed camp roster bonus.
With this trade, both teams adjusted their draft positions for the upcoming 2024 NFL draft. New York now holds picks including the 10th overall in the first round, while Denver’s selections include the 12th overall in the first round. The exchange reshaped the draft landscape for both franchises.
Wilson’s time with the Jets was marked by inconsistency over three seasons since being drafted second overall in 2021. Despite starting in 33 games, he struggled with a 57 percent completion rate, 6,293 passing yards, 23 touchdowns, and 25 interceptions. Amid uncertainty about his future with the Jets, General Manager Joe Douglas confirmed the team’s willingness to facilitate Wilson’s trade, leading to his move to Denver.
In Denver, Wilson will vie for a starting role following the departure of Russell Wilson, who was released after the start of the new league year. The Broncos’ current quarterback roster includes Jarrett Stidham and Ben DiNucci, but Wilson brings the most experience among the trio.
While the team may consider drafting a rookie quarterback, they aren’t positioned to acquire top prospects like Caleb Williams or Drake Maye without potential trade maneuvers.
General Manager George Paton hinted at the possibility of the Broncos trading up in the draft to secure a transformative player, emphasizing the team’s commitment to securing impactful talent. Meanwhile, the Jets are poised to enter the 2024 season with Aaron Rodgers as the starter and Tyrod Taylor as the backup, signaling a new phase for the franchise post-Wilson.
