Jets trading Zach Wilson to Broncos in late-round pick swap

The Zach Wilson era is finally over. After weeks of trying to find a trade partner, the Jets get a deal done before the draft this week. They are sending Wilson to the Denver Broncos in a late-round pick swap.

Former #Jets starting QB and No. 2 pick Zach Wilson is on the move. Sources say he’s being traded to the #Broncos, hoping for a fresh start.

The deal includes a late-round pick swap (6th for a 7th) and NYJ will pay some of Wilson’s roughly $5.5M salary. pic.twitter.com/7Y1KShZ3sg

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 22, 2024

As expected, the Jets are also attaching a draft pick to help facilitate the trade. The Jets are sending a seventh-round pick (No. 256) to Denver and will pick up a sixth in return (No. 203). The Jets are also expected to pay a large portion of Wilson’s $5.7 million compensation for this season.

Ultimately, the Jets get a win by being able to get something for Wilson. They essentially move up 50 spots in the draft, going from 256 to 203, and are able to save some cap space – even if they are eating some of Wilson’s salary.

Wilson, the No. 2 pick in the 2021 NFL draft, was thrust into action as a rookie and things just never panned out for him. 2023 was supposed to be the year he could sit and learn behind Aaron Rodgers, but then Rodgers’ Achilles injury happened in Week 1, Wilson went back into the lineup and the offense took an expected nosedive.

Wilson was also benched in each of the last two seasons and was seemingly losing a ton of confidence. Now he gets a chance to resurrect himself in Denver, who are still likely to address the position at some point during the draft, perhaps even in the first round.

The Jets now have picks 10, 72, 111, 134, 185, 203 and 257.