Zach Wilson will not start under centre when the Denver Broncos begin the 2024 regular season next weekend, but the front office does not expect the troubled quarterback will spend the remainder of his career watching games from the sidelines and wearing headsets.
While speaking with the media on Tuesday, Broncos general manager George Paton discussed the team’s final roster cuts and preseason quarterback competition, specifically mentioning how Wilson, who was recently appointed the backup to first-round rookie Bo Nix, still has “all the traits” to be a starter once again. High praise for a player in desperate need of a new beginning.
Wilson addressed his camp battle with Nix after the Broncos’ preseason finale on Sunday, telling reporters that the coaching staff’s decision was not shocking and that he had high expectations for his new partner. The two quarterbacks have a three-year disparity in NFL experience, but Wilson, who was drafted in 2021, is just half a year older than Nix.
Recovering from a nightmare
The Jets’ hopes for Wilson as their starter failed spectacularly.
Paton’s recent comments about Wilson’s potential definitely drew attention. When he was selected second overall by the New York Jets three years ago and designated one of the captains without any opposition in training camp, he instantly seized the role of team leader. However, the goals that both parties envisioned for their relationship never materialized.
Wilson’s stay in New York was a complete catastrophe, properly dubbed a flop. He appeared in 34 games for the Jets, going 11-21 as a starter and throwing more interceptions (25) than touchdowns (23). Wilson also completed only 57 percent of his throws, ranking 35th out of 36 qualified passers in QBR (33.6) across three seasons.
The patent flaws and inconsistencies in Wilson’s game led franchise-altering adjustments in April 2023, when the Jets completed a blockbuster deal with the Green Bay Packers for veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers. However, Wilson’s time as Rodgers’ student was cut short when the four-time MVP suffered a season-ending Achilles injury in Week 1.
After Rodgers was injured, New York tried to reintroduce Wilson into the game, but it was unsuccessful. He appeared in 12 games and helped the team to a 4-3 start by reducing mistakes, but Wilson showed few indications of improvement as fans complained about his presence. He was benched and sidelined with a concussion before the season finished, forcing him to miss the last three games.
Redemption in the Mile High City?
Wilson is embracing a new position with the Broncos.
Before this year’s draft, Jets owner Woody Johnson promised to keep Wilson if he couldn’t find a suitable trading partner. However, Johnson’s comments to the media were not very convincing, given that he had critiqued Wilson’s performances just one month before and saw a change of scenery as beneficial to him. The Broncos quickly swooped in.
In late April, Denver traded for Wilson and a seventh-round pick from New York. There was no assurance he’d get the starting job at the time, as the Broncos made a big splash in the selection one week later, selecting Nix with the No. 12 pick. Wilson, Nix, and journeyman Jarrett Stidham engaged in a training camp battle.
Wilson did not disgrace himself in preseason action. The 25-year-old appeared in all three games, completing 28 of 44 passes for 397 yards and three touchdowns with a QBR of 115.4. While he was sacked six times, he did not throw an interception, which is a positive indication for a quarterback infamous for turnovers and self-inflicted errors.
It’s unclear whether Wilson will see much playing time in 2024. Nix showed well during camp and should be given plenty of leeway as Denver retools in a loaded AFC. However, Paton’s statement shows that the Broncos continue to value Wilson’s overall arm talent and movement. Do other teams see it? Perhaps not, and for good cause.
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