In a surprising move, the New York Jets have traded quarterback Zach Wilson to the Denver Broncos, sources have confirmed to ESPN.
The Jets, who initially drafted Wilson with the No. 2 pick in 2021, will receive a sixth-round selection (No. 203) in this week’s NFL draft from the Broncos, along with a seventh-round pick (No. 256).
With this trade, only one of the five quarterbacks selected in the first round of the 2021 draft remains with his original team: Trevor Lawrence of the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Wilson’s departure from the Jets comes as no surprise, as the franchise had announced in February that he had been granted permission to explore potential trades. The quarterback sought a fresh start after three tumultuous seasons, during which he spent last year as a backup. The Jets had indicated their willingness to accommodate Wilson’s request, according to sources.
Because Aaron Rodgers coming off Achilles surgery, newly signed backup Tyrod Taylor is the only quarterback on the Jets roster. The team may consider drafting a quarterback in the later rounds to develop for the future.
Wilson is set to become a free agent in 2025, as the Broncos are not expected to exercise his fifth-year option worth $22.4 million.
For the Broncos, this trade provides flexibility as they rebuild their quarterback position following the release of Russell Wilson. The team holds the No. 12 pick in the upcoming draft and is anticipated to select a quarterback at some point.
“Look, I mean, do we have to draft a quarterback?” Broncos coach Sean Payton said. “You’d say, man, it sure looks like we have to draft a quarterback and yet, it’s got to be the right fit, the right one. And if you had the tip sheets as to who everyone else was taking, it would be easier to answer that question. … That’s the puzzle here.”
General manager George Paton emphasized the importance of making the right selection with the No. 12 pick, whether it’s a quarterback or another position, to avoid similar situations in the future.
Wilson’s tenure with the Jets was marked by challenges, including injuries, benchings, and criticism of his leadership abilities. Despite flashes of potential, his performance fell short of expectations, leading to his eventual trade.
This transaction adds to the list of highly drafted quarterbacks who didn’t pan out for the Jets, following the departure of Sam Darnold, who was selected third overall in 2018.
The trade was first reported by NFL Network.
