Five quarterbacks from the 2021 NFL Draft have now changed teams, with only Trevor Lawrence still with his original team, the Jacksonville Jaguars. Zach Wilson, the former No. 2 overall pick, was traded from the New York Jets to the Denver Broncos, joining Trey Lance, Justin Fields, and Mac Jones in finding new homes. Wilson, who had a turbulent season in New York, will now compete for a spot in the Broncos’ quarterback room with Jarrett Stidham and Ben DiNucci.
The trade involved Wilson and a seventh-round pick going to Denver, while the Jets received a sixth-round pick in return. The two teams are splitting Wilson’s salary for the 2024 season. Wilson, 24, had a 4-7 record as a starter in his third season, throwing for 2,271 passing yards, eight touchdowns, and six interceptions. He now looks to make a fresh start in Denver, hoping to establish himself as a key player for the team.
USA TODAY graded the trade, giving the Broncos a C+ for taking a chance on a highly regarded prospect like Wilson with minimal risk. On the other hand, the Jets received an F grade for their handling of Wilson’s tenure, which was deemed an “unmitigated disaster” by the publication. The Jets were criticized for not selecting other top prospects in the 2021 draft and for not giving former quarterback Sam Darnold a better opportunity to succeed.
Social media reactions to the trade were varied, with some expressing disappointment in the end of the Zach Wilson era in New York, while others saw potential in Wilson’s move to Denver. The trade sparked discussions about Wilson’s potential in the Broncos’ system and the overall impact of the trade on both teams. With several quarterbacks from the 2021 draft class now on new teams, the league is witnessing a significant shift in the quarterback landscape.
The 2024 NFL Draft is set to take place on April 25-27 in Detroit, Michigan, with cable and streaming options available for viewing. Fans and analysts are eagerly anticipating the draft to see which new talents will enter the league and potentially make an impact on their respective teams. The trade involving Zach Wilson serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of the NFL and the constant changes that can occur in player rosters. Overall, the trade has generated both excitement and skepticism among football fans and experts alike.
