The Denver Broncos are acquiring quarterback Zach Wilson and a seventh-round draft pick in a trade with the New York Jets, according to multiple reports Monday.
The Jets will receive a sixth-round pick (the 203rd overall selection) and agreed to split Wilson’s $5.5 million salary for the coming season, per reports.
The Broncos are looking to rebuild their quarterback room after the release of veteran Russell Wilson in March. Currently slated at No. 1 on the depth chart is Jarrett Stidham, who has appeared in 16 games (four starts) with three teams in four seasons. They also have Ben DiNucci, who started three games with the Dallas Cowboys in 2020.
The Broncos, who have the 12th pick in this week’s NFL draft, had been expected to select a quarterback.
The No. 2 overall pick out of BYU in the 2021 NFL Draft, Zach Wilson struggled for the better part of his three seasons with New York, which brought aboard Aaron Rodgers prior to the 2023 season.
Rodgers suffered an Achilles injury during his first regular-season drive with the Jets, clearing Wilson for another opportunity, but Wilson was unable to secure the starting job.
Wilson was 12-21-0 as an on-again, off-again starter for the Jets.
Wilson, 24, was 4-7 in 2023 and passed for 2,271 yards with eight touchdowns and seven interceptions. Through 34 games (33 starts), he has completed 57.0 percent of his passes for 6,293 yards, 23 TDs and 25 picks.
The Broncos already have millions invested in the position. They took a cap hit of $85 million to part ways with Russell Wilson when they released him.
He since signed with the Steelers, with Pittsburgh paying $1.2 million for 2024 because the Broncos are obligated to pay $38 million guaranteed in their five-year contract.
Denver also signed veteran cornerback Levi Wallace on Monday.
Wallace, 28, was a free agent after four seasons with the Buffalo Bills (2018-21) and two with the Steelers (2022-23). He has recorded 12 interceptions and 305 tackles in his 83 career games (70 starts).
–Field Level Media
