Zach Wilson is ready for a fresh start.
The former No. 2 overall pick by the Jets in 2021 landed with the Broncos this offseason in a late-round pick swap trade with his old club. He joined Denver after three tumultuous seasons in New York filled with bad plays, injuries and benchings.
But during his first interaction with local media, Wilson was all smiles. He called the trade "bittersweet" but noted how excited he is for a "fresh start" and a "new challenge."
“Obviously there’s bittersweet moments in everything,” Wilson said Thursday. “I was grateful for my experiences [with the Jets]. And the guys. I miss the guys out there and everything, too.
“But at the same time a fresh start is good. I’m excited to attack a new challenge.”
Wilson will have a chance to play against his old teammates in Week 5 — if he wins the starting job. The 24-year-old will have to beat out veteran Jarrett Stidham and No. 12 overall pick Bo Nix. Oddly enough, Wilson is only less than a year older than Nix despite Wilson entering his fourth NFL season.
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While Wilson is the most experienced quarterback on the Broncos, his production hasn't been good. He ranks last in completion percentage, quarterback rating, passing yards and passing touchdowns among 25 quarterbacks with at least 30 starts since 2021.
This past season was perhaps the most frustrating for Wilson. He opened the season as the Jets No. 2 quarterback for Aaron Rodgers but was thrust back into the starting lineup after just four plays in Week 1. Rodgers tore his Achilles and missed the rest of the year, of which Wilson bounced from starter to backup to third-stringer to inactive throughout the season.
While those moments were frustrating, Wilson thinks his time in New York helped prepare him for his next steps.
"I feel like you learn the most when things don’t go the best," Wilson added. "Three years of things being challenging — you’re going to learn a lot of things."
The Jets, meanwhile, moved forward with Rodgers returning from his Achilles injury but replaced Wilson with veteran backup Tyrod Taylor. New York went so far as to add four new offensive linemen in free agency, trades and the draft. The Jets also signed veteran Mike Williams and drafted Malachi Corley to give Rodgers more weapons.
Both side now head in opposite directions in 2024, but there is still that slim possibility Wilson will get the chance to face off against the Jets early in the season. It's certainly a major storyline to watch.
