New York Jets End Zach Wilson Era, Trade QB to Denver
The New York Jets have successfully ended the Zach Wilson era.
End of an Era with Zach Wilson
On Monday, New York packed a seventh-round pick with the disgruntled former 2021 second-overall pick to the Denver Broncos in exchange for a sixth-round pick in this week’s draft.
Wilson never caught on in New York. He struggled throughout his three-year tenure, raking in one of the worst quarterback ratings in the league of 30.6, while completing only 57 percent of his passes. Wilson came to New York after much praise from draft experts three seasons ago, who looked at Wilson’s ability to make the off-schedule look routine while at BYU.
Unfortunately, Wilson never put it together with the Jets. Yes, he had moments, like his 301-yard performance against the Texans last season. But those moments were few and far between.
Most of the time, the Jets were either playing Wilson on a weekly basis with the hope he would turn it on, or they were trying to bench him.
Wilson was benched multiple times during his tenure due to his poor play. Last season the Jets brought in Aaron Rodgers to not only ignite the offense but, perhaps to groom Wilson for the future. That never occurred as Wilson was thrust back into action once Rodgers tore his Achilles.
Instead, Wilson struggled as the Jets starter in 2023 and was benched twice. The second time reports from The Athletic surfaced that Wilson was reluctant to start again for Gang Green.
Salary Breakdown
At the end of the day, the Jets split Wilson’s $5.5 million salary for 2024 with the Broncos. Wilson heads closer to home — Denver is seven hours from BYU, and might have a shot at reclaiming his career under Broncos head coach Sean Payton.
The Jets get to move on and focus firmly on the draft. New York is expected to take on one of the many play-making receivers in this year’s draft on Thursday.