New York Jets execute pre-draft trade, sending Zach Wilson to Denver Broncos

The New York Jets have reportedly executed a pre-draft trade, sending former first-round quarterback Zach Wilson to the Denver Broncos, according to NFL insider Ian Rapoport. Wilson was the No. 2 selection of the 2021 NFL Draft. However, he never lived up to his lofty draft status. Now, he’s off to Denver for a fresh start. The Broncos are reportedly sending a sixth-round pick to New York in exchange for Wilson and a seventh-round selection.

After two seasons with Wilson struggling, the New York Jets brought in Aaron Rodgers to lead the team. The hope was that they could win now with Rodgers and he could mentor Wilson to take the position back over in the future. However, a torn Achilles in Week 1 threw a massive wrench into that and New York had issues with the position for the rest of the season.

Zach Wilson played in 34 games with New York, including 12 this season with 11 starts. Statistically, 2023-24 was his best, completing 60.1 percent of his passes for 2,271 yards and eight touchdowns with seven interceptions.

Broncos, Jets own top-15 picks in Round 1

The Jets, who have the No. 10 overall pick in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft on Thursday, now have Rodgers and Tyrod Taylor on the roster. Meanwhile, the Broncos have Wilson, Jarrett Stidham and Ben DiNucci in their QB room for the 2024 season. Denver has the No. 12 overall pick in the first round.

“The Denver Broncos have been discussing this trade for Zach Wilson for weeks,” ESPN reporter Dianna Russini shared after the trade. “After exploring the veteran free agent quarterback market, there is belief in the Denver building Zach Wilson still has tons of talent and potential.

“So what does this mean for Denver in this upcoming draft? Expect the Broncos to continue working behind the scenes to see if they have enough to move up in the draft for a QB, otherwise all other options are on the table. I was told this front office is exploring it all.”

Of the five quarterbacks picked in the top 15 picks of the 2021 NFL Draft, only one remains with their original team. Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence is working toward a long-term extension with Jacksonville, while Mac Jones, Trey Lance, Justin Fields and Wilson are all now on to their second teams.

The 2024 NFL Draft, which begins Thursday, April 25, continues through Saturday, April 27 in Detroit, Michigan. The draft broadcast runs throughout the weekend on both ESPN and NFL Network.