Zach Wilson, the former New York Jets quarterback, has had time to reflect on his tenure in New York since his trade to the Denver Broncos in April. During the Broncos’ Organized Team Activities (OTAs), Wilson shared his thoughts with reporters, expressing a mix of gratitude and anticipation for his new journey.
“Obviously, there are bittersweet moments in everything,” Wilson remarked, reflecting on his time with the Jets. “I was grateful for my experiences there and the guys. I miss the guys out there and everything too.” Despite the challenges he faced in New York, Wilson believes those experiences have been instrumental in his growth as a quarterback. “I feel like you learn the most when things don’t always go the best,” he said. “So you bank those reps, you learn from them, and three years of things being challenging, you’re going to learn a lot of things. So, hopefully, I can keep carrying those with me.”
Wilson’s tenure with the Jets was marked by ups and downs, including injuries, benchings, and inconsistent performances. However, he remains optimistic about his future in Denver. “A fresh start is good. I’m excited to attack a new challenge,” he stated. The trade that sent Wilson and pick No. 256 to the Broncos in exchange for pick No. 203, which the Jets later traded to the Minnesota Vikings, signifies a new chapter for the young quarterback.
In Denver, Wilson is set to compete in a three-man quarterback battle alongside Jarrett Stidham and Bo Nix, the No. 12 overall pick. Wilson is enthusiastic about the competition, believing it will bring out the best in him. “I think competition brings out the best in anybody. I look forward to what we have,” he said.
If Wilson secures the starting job, he won’t have to wait long to face his former team. The Broncos are scheduled to visit MetLife Stadium in Week 4 on September 29, setting the stage for a potential reunion with his old teammates.
Wilson’s journey in New York was tumultuous, to say the least. Drafted as the No. 2 overall pick in 2021, he faced high expectations but struggled to find consistent success. His statistics reflect the challenges he faced, ranking last in completion percentage, quarterback rating, passing yards, and passing touchdowns among quarterbacks with at least 30 starts since 2021.
The 2023 season was particularly frustrating for Wilson. Initially positioned as the Jets’ No. 2 quarterback behind Aaron Rodgers, he was thrust into the starting role after Rodgers suffered a season-ending Achilles injury just four plays into the season opener. Wilson’s performance was inconsistent, leading to multiple benchings and a season-ending concussion in Week 15.
Despite these setbacks, Wilson remains positive about the lessons he learned during his time with the Jets. “I feel like you learn the most when things don’t go the best,” he reiterated. “Three years of things being challenging — you’re going to learn a lot of things.”
As the Jets move forward with Rodgers and a revamped offensive lineup, Wilson is eager to make his mark in Denver. The Broncos have also made significant changes, including the addition of veteran quarterback Tyrod Taylor and new offensive linemen to bolster their roster.
Wilson’s fresh start in Denver represents an opportunity to reset his career and prove his worth. Competing against Stidham and Nix, he is determined to seize the opportunity and showcase his growth as a quarterback. “A fresh start is good and I’m excited to attack a new challenge,” he emphasized.
The upcoming season will be a critical one for Wilson as he aims to establish himself as a reliable starting quarterback in the NFL. With the support of his new teammates and coaching staff, he is ready to embrace the challenges ahead and make the most of his fresh start with the Broncos.
