The New York Jets have traded quarterback Zach Wilson to the Denver Broncos after two months of allowing him to explore other team options. In exchange for Wilson, the Broncos offered a late-round pick swap, as reported by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero.
Wilson, who had filled in for injured starter Aaron Rodgers last season, received mixed reactions from Jets fans and commentators during his tenure with the team.
Wilson’s time with the Jets concluded amidst disappointment, as he was benched for the second consecutive year in the 2023 season. Despite being the No. 2 pick in the 2021 draft, Wilson struggled to produce consistent results, ending his New York career with a record of 12-21 and modest statistics of 6,293 passing yards, 23 touchdowns, and 25 interceptions over 34 appearances.
The trade prompted various reactions from Jets fans and analysts, with many labeling Wilson as one of the team’s worst draft picks in history. Some expressed relief that the team could finally move on from Wilson, citing his lack of production and negative impact on the organization. However, others lamented the disappointing outcome of Wilson’s tenure and the failure to capitalize on his potential.
On the Broncos’ side, the acquisition of Wilson raised concerns among fans about the team’s quarterback situation. Having parted ways with Russell Wilson and facing uncertainties with their current projected No. 1, Jarrett Stidham, the Broncos are seen as needing further reinforcement in the quarterback position.
Some fans expressed skepticism about swapping an older Wilson for a younger one, while others criticized the team’s recent quarterback decisions.
Looking ahead, the Broncos may continue to explore options to bolster their quarterback depth, potentially through the upcoming NFL Draft. With the No. 12 pick, Denver could target a signal-caller to provide competition and depth behind Stidham. The trade marks a significant development for both the Jets and the Broncos, signaling a new chapter for Wilson and potential adjustments for Denver’s quarterback strategy.