For Zach Wilson, the divorce from his Jets this offseason that brought him to Denver is “bittersweet.”
“Obviously there are bittersweet moments in everything,” Wilson said Thursday in his first comments since the April trade. “I was grateful for my experiences there and for the guys. I miss the guys and everything too. But at the same time, a new start is good. I am excited to take on a new challenge.
The Jets traded Wilson to the Broncos this offseason to give the 2021 No. 2 pick a fresh start after a once-promising relationship didn’t go as planned.
Wilson, 24, hasn’t played well when given the opportunity, throwing 23 touchdowns against 25 interceptions in 34 games (33 starts), including eight touchdowns and seven interceptions from last year.
He posted a completion percentage of just 57 percent.
The Jets also failed to provide a stable environment for Wilson during his time with the team, with offensive line issues and disappointing offensive coordinators.
Although the Jets tried to push the idea of Wilson learning as Aaron Rodgers’ replacement, that idea always seemed like a best-case scenario rather than reality.
Wilson would then struggle – finding himself on the bench for a second straight season – after Rodgers suffered a torn Achilles four games into the season.
The Jets ultimately traded Wilson for pennies, taking a sixth-round pick in exchange for a seventh-round selection.
“I feel like you learn the most when things don’t always go your best,” Wilson said. “So you bank these reps, you learn from them, and over three years of challenges, you’re going to learn a lot. So I hope I can continue to take them with me.
Wilson would have had no path to starting with the Jets barring opportunity, but he at least has a chance to be the Broncos’ starting quarterback.
While the Broncos hope first-round pick Bo Nix will be the franchise quarterback they’ve lacked in recent years, it’s not uncommon for rookies to sit early in the year.
Veteran Jarrett Stidham is also in the mix.
“Personally I think competition brings out the best in everyone, I’m looking forward to what we have,” Wilson said. “I appreciate the ownership from the top down, just for the opportunity to be here to compete.”
Wilson said his short time with his new team has been “awesome” and that he’s excited to work with Sean Payton, who ripped Wilson’s former Jets offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett.
“Obviously, he’s done a phenomenal job for as long as I can remember,” Wilson said of Payton. “I loved watching him and Drew (Brees) back then and how efficiently they played, how consistent it was, how explosive they were on offense and just taking what the defense got you given. I’m just looking to continue to grow and learn from him every day.
New York Post
