Here are three potential trade destinations for the unfavored quarterback and New York Jet, Zach Wilson after the market is slow going for the former second overall pick in 2021. According to sources, there have been zero teams interested while the Jets are actively shopping him in free agency. It’s only getting more difficult in a competitive market after Mac Jones was traded to the Jaguars and Justin Fields to Pittsburgh. Together, they netted two sixth-round picks in trades this offseason, leaving New York to wonder what they may get out of Wilson.
It leaves many talking heads to think that the Jets probably won’t get much in return. Wilson doesn’t have the favor either on his side after a disappointing first three seasons with the Jets to prove himself. He could only notch 6,293 yards, 23 touchdowns, 25 interceptions and a 57 percent completion rate. His 2023 season campaign raised more questions if he could be a reliable backup for any team that may raise interest.
The Jets probably would have been better off with more of an experienced veteran quarterback after the Aaron Rodgers injury. They could cut him and test the market, but that would be bad news for the team in terms of their financial situation. The Jets would carry his entire $11.2 million salary cap hit as dead money. It seems like if they can’t find a trade partner then holding onto him until next offseason may make sense.
He may have played his last down with the team, but it likely means he will ride the bench until 2025. Another option would be if a team is struggling to replace their starter due to injury midseason, they may call Wilson in a trade.
Three Potential Trade Destinations for Unfavored Quarterback Zach Wilson
Denver Broncos
It’s hard to imagine that the Denver Broncos are going to go into the 2023 season with Jarrett Stidham and Ben DiNucci as their primary options at quarterback. They remain one of the few teams in the league that need help at the position and they may rely on the draft to get their next franchiser. However, they aren’t in the best position to get a top prospect out from the draft with the No. 12 pick. Most of the available quarterbacks like Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye will be gone before they’re up to pick in the first round.
After releasing Russell Wilson, the Broncos don’t have a lot to spend in terms of a top quarterback after losing all their money to him. So it would be unlikely that the Broncos move up in this year’s draft, it would take a limb to get the top quarterback prospect. Zach Wilson could provide some emergency help after the quarterback drama last season between Russell and Sean Payton. He could start some competition once training camp starts and could emerge as the starter for Week One.
Kansas City Chiefs
There have been moments where Patrick Mahomes has struggled to remain healthy in the playoffs, but somehow he came back to still win the chip for the Chiefs. However, at the time, Chad Henne was the backup for him but he isn’t around anymore. It would essentially give the upgrade over Chris Oladokun and Ian Book, who are unproven to be reliable starters. Wilson coming in would do wonders and provide the team with relief in case Mahomes suffers an injury.
Detroit Lions
This destination seems very unlikely but never say never. The Lions have Herndon Hooker as their backup option, former third-round pick in the 2023 Draft. If the team is willing to get someone with experience, they could get Wilson. It’s a win-win for both sides while Wilson will learn behind Goff and step in if he struggles or suffers an injury. He’ll at least want some competition with Hooker for the No. 2 spot.
