The Denver Broncos have traded for a former first-round quarterback just days away from the NFL Draft. Will this trade take them out of the market for another first-round quarterback in Thursday’s draft?
Denver Broncos trade for former New York Jets QB Zach Wilson
The NFL is a revolving door of news and smokescreen, especially ahead of the NFL Draft. On Monday, the Broncos traded for former New York Jets quarterback Zach Wilson, who was their first-round pick back in the 2021 NFL Draft, going second overall.
The Broncos are acquiring Wilson in a pick swap, a sixth-round pick for a seventh, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. Denver will trade the 203rd pick for Wilson and acquire the Jets 256th selection, while New York will pay a portion of his $5.5M salary.
The former Jets signal-caller is now a member of the Broncos after his New York tenure didn’t work out. Wilson’s Jets’ career is muddied by a 12-21 record, but he has demonstrated some flashes throughout his first three years in the league.
Last year specifically, Wilson looked sharp against Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs and had some moments of good play, but he was benched by Robert Saleh at one point of the season.
In 2023, Wilson threw for 2271 yards, eight touchdowns, and seven interceptions and went 4-7 as the starter after Aaron Rodgers tore his Achilles on opening night.
Now, Wilson will have the opportunity to come in and compete for a starting job under Sean Payton this upcoming season. Will that be solely against Jarrett Stidham or does this move eliminate the Broncos from going after a QB in the first round?
Ideally, the Broncos should still heavily consider a rookie quarterback with the 12th overall pick. The addition of Wilson might mean they can sit back instead of trading up but still add a player at that position in the first round.
This also creates a flexible scenario where Denver can trade down in round one and perhaps acquire a second-round pick, where they can get a first-round playmaker and potentially still snag a quarterback like Bo Nix.
Sometimes a change of scenery can help, and more important the Broncos quarterback room will need all of the competition possible to raise the overall value of the room.
