With three days before the NFL draft, the Denver Broncos’ plans have changed again.
According to a source, the team has made a deal with the New York Jets to get Zach Wilson.
The Jets will receive the Broncos’ sixth-round pick as part of the transaction and will send Denver a seventh-round pick. The Broncos will pay Zach Wilson’s $5.73-million base pay for 2024.
Although Jarrett Stidham was previously named the opening quarterback for the 2024 season, Wilson’s acquisition gives him equal opportunities for the opening day.
Wilson has three more years to fix his career after struggling during his first three years, having been the second overall selection in the NFL draft after many expected Denver to draft a stopgap QB in this draft.
The Broncos are expected to pick another quarterback in the event. While with the Jets, Wilson started 34 games, winning 12 of them in 21 starts. He threw for 6,293 yards, 23 touchdowns, and 25 interceptions while generating a passer rating of 73.2.
With disappointing play and New York’s acquisition of Aaron Rodgers last season, Wilson’s third season became a question. After Rodgers got injured and his play didn’t improve, the Jets benched him, and went 4-7 in his starts.
Wilson missed the Jets’ initial practices this month, suggesting coach clinging was the issue, but he’s excited about a fresh start in Denver. He will be joined by opening-day candidates Jarrett Stidham and Ben DiNucci, who’s been on the practice squad since 2023.