Amid QB Battle In Denver, Zach Wilson Remains ‘In The Mix’

Newly acquired QB Zach Wilson remains “in the mix” for the team’s starting job as the Denver Broncos attempt to “regain his confidence,” according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.

Wilson, the #2 pick with the New York Jets in 2021, never panned out with gang Green, and Denver’s Head Coach Sean Payton took a chance on him with a trade in the off-season. The Jets shipped Wilson west with a 2024 7th-round pick in exchange for a Bronco 2024 sixth-round pick.

Wilson started at least nine games with the Jets in his three seasons with New York, amassing a dismal 12-21 record. During his rookie season, he went 3-10 before being benched.

Two years later, the Jets made a splash by acquiring Super Bowl champion QB Aaron Rodgers, effectively ending Wilson’s time as the starting QB. However, Rodgers tore his Achilles in the first quarter of his first game last season, thrusting Wilson back into the spotlight. He struggled again, finishing 4-11 in the games he started. Reports leaked that the 24-year-old refused to start the final games of the season after being replaced multiple times during the year, but Head Coach Robert Saleh denied that.

It will not be easy for the BYU alum to be given the reigns of the offense for week one. Denver released former starting QB Russell Wilson in February, but the Broncos selected quarterback Bo Nix from Oregon with the 12th pick of this year’s draft, the last of six QBs taken in the first 12 selections. Along with the rookie, Jarrett Stidham remains on the Broncos roster after starting the final regular season as the signal-caller last season, going 1-1. A career backup, Stidham enters his sixth season looking to be the week one starter for the first time.

The Broncos are looking for a quick rebuild in Payton’s second season as head man. Denver finished 8-9 last year and attempts to break their nine-year playoff appearance drought in 2024-25.