The New York Jets gave quarterback Zach Wilson his wish. They traded the third-year quarterback to the Denver Broncos for a pick swap, that is, their seventh-round pick in this year’s 2024 NFL Draft at No. 256 overall for the Broncos’ sixth-round selection at No. 203.
They’ll also compensate Denver for a portion of his $5.5 million salary for next year. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported the news on X yesterday:
Jets satisfy Zach Wilson’s trade request & send him to Broncos for pick swap & salary compensation
Wilson requested to be traded shortly after the 2023 NFL season came to a close. He finished the year with a 4-7 record in 11 starts. Wilson completed 60.1% of his passes and threw for 2,271 passing yards with an 8-7 TD-INT ratio.
He was not deemed the QB of the future that the Jets thought he’d develop into when they took him with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2021 draft. They replaced him twice in the starting lineup last season, prompting the 24-year-old to seek greener pastures elsewhere.
What can the Jets do with pick No. 203 in the 2024 NFL Draft
The Jets have lost a considerable amount in the trade, all things considered. They will now have a sixth-round pick to allocate toward one of their areas of need. At No. 203 overall, there will be several late-round options they can take, some notable names including Frank Gore Jr. (Southern Miss) and Jase McClellan (Alabama).
Both are ranked at No. 202 and No. 206 respectively in Pro Football Focus’s mock draft rankings. QB Austin Reed (Western Kentucky) is also projected to be available when the Jets go on the clock in round six. The Jets could use young talents stashed away in their backfield and offensive line, but late in the draft, they’ll likely take the best player available.