New York, NY – The New York Jets have officially ended the Zach Wilson era, trading the quarterback to the Denver Broncos on Monday. In the deal, the Jets will also send a seventh-round pick to Denver in exchange for a sixth-round pick. Additionally, the two teams will split the $5.5 million owed to Wilson for this season.
Wilson, who was drafted by the Jets as the second overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, failed to live up to expectations during his time with the team. Despite flashes of talent, Wilson struggled on the field and faced difficulties off the field, leading to his unpopularity among teammates.
Throughout his three seasons with the Jets, Wilson started 13 games as a rookie, showcasing both memorable performances and major flops. His second season was marred by a preseason knee injury and erratic performances, ultimately leading to his benching in favor of veteran Joe Flacco.
The Jets had hoped that acquiring Aaron Rodgers as their starting quarterback would benefit Wilson, but when Rodgers suffered a season-ending injury, Wilson was once again thrust into the starting role. Despite a standout performance against the Texans, Wilson’s time as the Jets’ starting quarterback came to an end after expressing reluctance to return to the role.
After suffering a concussion in his final game with the Jets, Wilson was inactive for the remaining three games of the season. Following the conclusion of the season, the Jets began exploring trade opportunities for Wilson.
Wilson’s departure marks another disappointment for the 2021 quarterback class, with Trevor Lawrence being the only first-round quarterback expected to stay with the team that drafted him. The Jets’ decision to move on from Wilson reflects the team’s commitment to rebuilding and reshaping their roster for the future.