Tag: Zach Wilson

Aug 11, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix (10) points during the second quarter against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports

Broncos keep 3 quarterbacks while getting to 53-man roster

Posted on | by Field Level Media

The Denver Broncos, after declaring rookie Bo Nix as their starter last week, decided to keep all three quarterbacks on their initial 53-man roster at the deadline Tuesday.

Nix, the 12th overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft, remains teammates with veterans Jarrett Stidham and Zach Wilson, the latter acquired in an offseason trade.

“Yeah, we think highly of the quarterback room,” Broncos general manager George Paton said Tuesday after the roster was announced. “I really liked the process. I thought the competition brought out the best in really all of the quarterbacks. All these guys support each other, they compete and they work well together.”

While competition for roster spots across all positions is fierce, Denver determined it could have three quarterbacks on the roster before the practice squad is slotted.

“We looked at last year (and) I think almost half the league kept three quarterbacks,” Paton said. “With the rule changes, we think that number will increase. We’re glad to have all three.”

Nix, who starred at Auburn and then Oregon, will become the first rookie QB to start a season opener for Denver since Hall of Famer John Elway in 1983.

“In regard to Bo, he’s earned the opportunity to be the starter,” Paton said. “We’ve talked about it multiple times. Just the poise, the maturity and efficiency that he’s operated on the offense has been impressive. We know like every rookie, he is going to have ups and downs, but we’ll support him through that. We’re confident in Bo and just look forward to his continued growth and development.”

Last season, Denver finished 8-9. Russell Wilson, now with the Pittsburgh Steelers, was 7-8 as a starter and Stidham was 1-1.

Stidham, 28, completed 40 of 66 (60.6 percent) for 496 yards with two touchdowns and one interception last season. He has played in a total of 16 games (four starts) with the New England Patriots (2019-20), Las Vegas Raiders (2022) and Denver.

Wilson, 25, spent the past three seasons with the New York Jets, who selected him second overall in the 2021 NFL Draft. He played in 34 games (33 starts) and completed 57 percent of his passes for 6,293 yards, 23 TDs and 25 interceptions.

The Broncos acquired Wilson and a 2024 seventh-round pick on April 22 for a 2024 sixth-round pick from the Jets, who have Aaron Rodgers returning following a season-ending injury sustained in the 2023 opener.

“With Zach, we knew Zach was really talented,” Paton said. “We didn’t know the person. We love the day-to-day with Zach and we love the person. He’s smart and (has) all the intangibles. He obviously played well and he moved the team, and ‘Stiddy’ (Stidham) did as well. We like our group.”

–Field Level Media

Dec 17, 2023; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; New York Jets quarterback Zach Wilson (2) drops back to attempt a pass against the Miami Dolphins during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

Reports: Broncos won’t pick up QB Zach Wilson’s option

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Zach Wilson might have just a one-year stay in Denver, as multiple media outlets reported Tuesday that the Broncos won’t pick up his fifth-year option for 2025.

The Broncos acquired Wilson and a seventh-round draft pick last week from the New York Jets in exchange for a sixth-round choice. Each team will pay a portion of his 2024 salary, which has a base of just over $1 million.

Denver then selected Bo Nix 12th overall in the draft on Friday.

Wilson’s option for 2025 would have been worth $22.4 million.

Broncos coach Sean Payton said that Wilson and Nix would compete for the starting role along with Jarrett Stidham, who went 1-1 as a starter for Denver last year, and Ben DiNucci.

The Broncos announced in March that they would release their regular starting quarterback from the past two years, Russell Wilson, with a post-June 1 designation. Russell Wilson went 11-19 as a starter over his two years in Denver, proving to be a big disappointment after he arrived in a March 2022 trade with the Seattle Seahawks.

Zach Wilson, 24, was chosen second overall by the Jets in the 2021 draft out of BYU. He produced a 12-21 record as New York’s starter, completing 57 percent of his passes for 6,293 yards with 23 touchdown tosses and 25 interceptions.

Last season, he went 4-7 with a career-high 60.1 percent completion rate, 2,271 yards, eight TDs and seven interceptions.

Nix, 24, threw for 4,508 yards and 45 touchdowns while getting picked off just three times for Oregon last season.

–Field Level Media

New York Jets quarterback Zach Wilson (2) tries to elude the pressure of Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Christian Wilkins (94) during the first half of an NFL game at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Dec. 17, 2023.

Reports: Broncos land QB Zach Wilson in trade with Jets

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The Denver Broncos are acquiring quarterback Zach Wilson and a seventh-round draft pick in a trade with the New York Jets, according to multiple reports Monday.

The Jets will receive a sixth-round pick (the 203rd overall selection) and agreed to split Wilson’s $5.5 million salary for the coming season, per reports.

The Broncos are looking to rebuild their quarterback room after the release of veteran Russell Wilson in March. Currently slated at No. 1 on the depth chart is Jarrett Stidham, who has appeared in 16 games (four starts) with three teams in four seasons. They also have Ben DiNucci, who started three games with the Dallas Cowboys in 2020.

The Broncos, who have the 12th pick in this week’s NFL draft, had been expected to select a quarterback.

The No. 2 overall pick out of BYU in the 2021 NFL Draft, Zach Wilson struggled for the better part of his three seasons with New York, which brought aboard Aaron Rodgers prior to the 2023 season.

Rodgers suffered an Achilles injury during his first regular-season drive with the Jets, clearing Wilson for another opportunity, but Wilson was unable to secure the starting job.

Wilson was 12-21-0 as an on-again, off-again starter for the Jets.

Wilson, 24, was 4-7 in 2023 and passed for 2,271 yards with eight touchdowns and seven interceptions. Through 34 games (33 starts), he has completed 57.0 percent of his passes for 6,293 yards, 23 TDs and 25 picks.

The Broncos already have millions invested in the position. They took a cap hit of $85 million to part ways with Russell Wilson when they released him.

He since signed with the Steelers, with Pittsburgh paying $1.2 million for 2024 because the Broncos are obligated to pay $38 million guaranteed in their five-year contract.

-Field Level Media

Dec 3, 2023; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Jets quarterback Zach Wilson (2) reacts on the sideline during the first quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Jets grant QB Zach Wilson permission to seek trade

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The Jets have given quarterback Zach Wilson permission to seek a trade, general manager Joe Douglas said Wednesday.

New York took Wilson with the No. 2 overall pick in 2021 and saw him go 12-21 as an on-again, off-again starter for three seasons.

The Jets have four-time league MVP Aaron Rodgers coming back from a torn Achilles to be their starter in 2024.

Douglas may have signaled that the Wilson era in New York is all but over with his remarks Wednesday at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis.

“I’ve had good conversations with his agent, Brian Ayrault,” Douglas said. “Where we are exactly, we’ve given them permission to talk to other teams about a trade. I’m going to circle back with Brian at some point either this week or next week just to see how those conversations go. Other than that, there’s nothing else to report.”

Wilson’s trade value, according to many league experts, is worth either a sixth- or seventh-round pick in April’s NFL draft or perhaps a middle-round pick swap.

Wilson, 24, was 4-7 in 2023 and passed for 2,271 yards with eight touchdowns and seven interceptions. Through 34 games (33 starts), he has completed 57.0 percent of his passes for 6,293 yards, 23 TDs and 25 picks.

With Wilson on the way out, that leaves No. 1 overall pick Trevor Lawrence of the Jacksonville Jaguars as the only one of five first-round QBs in the 2021 draft class guaranteed of being his original team’s starter in 2024.

The San Francisco 49ers drafted Trey Lance third overall and traded him to the Dallas Cowboys last August. Justin Fields was the No. 10 pick by the Chicago Bears and Mac Jones went 15th to the New England Patriots, but both are on unstable ground this offseason.

–Field Level Media

Nov 12, 2023; Paradise, Nevada, USA; New York Jets owner Woody Johnson in attendance at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Jets owner takes aim at Robert Saleh, Joe Douglas, Zach Wilson

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New York Jets owner Woody Johnson put head coach Robert Saleh and general manager Joe Douglas on notice during an interview at the NFL Honors awards show in Las Vegas.

Making his first public comments since opting to stick with Saleh and Douglas, Johnson made it clear on Thursday night that the Jets’ 7-10 record in the 2023 season wasn’t acceptable.

“We have all this talent and we have to deploy talent properly. So I think they all got the message. This is it. This is the time to go. We’ve got to produce this year,” Johnson said. “We have to do a lot better than seven (wins), definitely.”

Sure, expectations were high after the Jets acquired four-time NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers in the offseason. Four snaps into the season opener, however, Rodgers suffered an Achilles tear that Johnson equated to “having your arm chopped off.”

The Jets own an 18-33 record in three seasons under Saleh and 27-60 mark under Douglas. They have a 13-season playoff drought, the longest among the major sports leagues in North America.

When asked about areas need to be addressed this offseason, Johnson took aim at backup quarterback Zach Wilson without mentioning his name.

“You need a backup quarterback,” Johnson said. “We didn’t have one last year.”

Wilson struggled mightily after replacing Rodgers, limping to a 4-7 record this season and 12-21 overall with the Jets.

The Jets are expected to trade Wilson, the No. 2 overall pick in 2021, this offseason.

Wilson’s season ended with a 60.1 percent completion mark for 2,271 yards with eight touchdowns and seven interceptions. He was sacked 46 times for 340 yards.

He has thrown for 6,293 yards with 23 touchdowns and 25 interceptions in 34 career games (33 starts).

–Field Level Media

New York Jets quarterback Zach Wilson (2) tries to elude the pressure of Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Christian Wilkins (94) during the first half of an NFL game at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Dec. 17, 2023.

Zach Wilson’s season, perhaps Jets career, over

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Jets quarterback Zach Wilson remains in concussion protocol and won’t play Sunday against the New England Patriots, ending his season and perhaps his career in New York.

Head coach Robert Saleh told reporters Wednesday that Wilson remains out, meaning veteran Trevor Siemian is in line to start his third straight game.

Saleh was noncommittal Wednesday when asked if Wilson, the much-maligned No. 2 overall pick of the 2021 NFL Draft, would return next season.

“We’ll see,” said Saleh, whom owner Woody Johnson has said will be back in 2024. “It’s all things that we’re gonna have to talk about once the season is over but whether it’s here or somewhere else, I believe he’s gonna have a helluva a career.”

Wilson was forced into action as the starter after four-time MVP Aaron Rodgers, acquired in the offseason from the Green Bay Packers, tore an Achilles on the first drive of the season. The goal heading into the season was for Wilson to sit behind Rodgers and learn from the future Hall of Fame player.

Despite Wilson’s 4-7 record as a starter this season — 12-21 overall with the Jets — Saleh was complimentary of the 24-year-old quarterback.

“I thought he had great OTAs, a great training camp,” Saleh said of Wilson. “I thought he battled, he fought. He’s a fighter. He really is. Obviously there’s things that I know he wishes he could have back. I know there’s a lot of things that he improved on. Some things were out of his control, but I’ve said and I’ll say it again, I think he’s gonna have a long career in this league.”

Wilson sustained the concussion in the Jets’ 30-0 loss to the Miami Dolphins on Dec. 17.

His season ends with a 60.1 percent completion mark for 2,271 yards with eight touchdowns and seven interceptions. He was sacked 46 times for 340 yards.

He has thrown for 6,293 yards with 23 touchdowns and 25 interceptions in 34 career games (33 starts).

Wilson signed a four-year, $35.1 million rookie deal in July 2021.

–Field Level Media

Dec 17, 2023; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; New York Jets quarterback Zach Wilson (2) drops back to attempt a pass against the Miami Dolphins during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

Jets QB Zach Wilson (concussion) won’t play Thursday

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Zach Wilson will not clear concussion protocol in time for Thursday’s game at the Cleveland Browns, New York Jets coach Robert Saleh said Tuesday.

Trevor Siemian will remain the Jets’ starting quarterback for a second straight game with Wilson and Aaron Rodgers (Achilles rehab) both out.

Wilson was hurt during a 30-0 loss to the Miami Dolphins on Dec. 17 shortly after returning to the starting job.

Behind Siemian on Sunday, the Jets (6-9) took a 27-7 halftime lead over the Washington Commanders, blew that lead and made a late field goal to secure a 30-28 win. Siemian was 27-for-49 passing for 217 yards, one touchdown and one interception.

Siemian, 31, has appeared in 38 career games and is 14-17 as a starter for the Denver Broncos, New Orleans Saints, Chicago Bears and Jets. He has thrown for 7,420 yards, 43 touchdown passes and 31 interceptions in his career.

The Jets are about to go up against one of their old quarterbacks, Joe Flacco, who joined the Browns (10-5) midseason due to multiple injuries at the position and has them on the brink of a playoff berth.

Saleh also ruled out tight end Jeremy Ruckert (concussion) for Thursday and said the team is monitoring kicker Greg Zuerlein due to right quad soreness.

The Jets have been eliminated from playoff contention and close their season on the road against the New England Patriots on Jan. 7.

–Field Level Media

Dec 17, 2023; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; New York Jets quarterback Trevor Siemian (14) attempts a pass against the Miami Dolphins during the second half at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

Trevor Siemian in, Zach Wilson (concussion) out for Jets

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The New York Jets will turn to Trevor Siemian as the starting quarterback on Sunday against the Washington Commanders with Zach Wilson still in concussion protocol.

Head coach Robert Saleh said Friday that Brett Rypien will back up Siemian. Aaron Rodgers, newly activated from injured reserve, will not serve as the No. 3 quarterback, Saleh said.

Siemian, 31, has appeared in two games in relief this season. He replaced Wilson in last Sunday’s 30-0 loss at Miami, completing 14 of 26 passes for 110 yards with two interceptions.

He also played Dec. 3 in a 13-8 loss to Atlanta and was 5-of-13 passing for 66 yards.

Siemian has appeared in 37 career games and is 13-17 as a starter for four teams. He has thrown for 7,203 yards with a 58.5 percent completion rate, throwing 42 touchdown passes and 30 interceptions.

The Jets (5-9) have been eliminated from playoff contention. After Sunday’s game in East Rutherford, N.J., they close the season on the road against the Cleveland Browns and New England Patriots.

–Field Level Media

Dec 17, 2023; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Christian Wilkins (94) rushes in on New York Jets quarterback Zach Wilson (2) during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

Jets QB Zach Wilson departs vs. Dolphins

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New York Jets quarterback Zach Wilson exited Sunday’s game against the Miami Dolphins late in the second quarter with a head injury and was ruled out early in the second half.

According to CBS, the Jets said Wilson is not in concussion protocol. Earlier, the team said Wilson was dealing with dehydration.

Wilson completed 4 of 11 passes for 26 yards and was sacked four times. He also was under duress on multiple other occasions.

New York was outgained 197-4 in the half and trailed 24-0 at the break.

In the first quarter, Wilson briefly was examined for a head injury before being cleared and returning to the game.

Trevor Siemian replaced Wilson with 1:03 left in the half. He went 2 of 4 for 11 yards and was sacked once during his lone drive of the second quarter.

Siemian took the field for New York’s first possession of the third quarter and the Jets failed to get a first down and were forced to punt.

New York faces a Wednesday deadline to activate Aaron Rodgers off injured reserve. Rodgers tore his Achilles on the fourth snap of the season.

A loss to the Dolphins would drop New York to 5-9, which might affect which direction the club chooses to go with Rodgers.

Wilson returned to the starting role last week and had his best outing of the season. He completed 27 of 36 passes for 301 yards and two touchdowns in a 30-6 rout of the visiting Houston Texans.

New York had three other players injured in the first half. Defensive linemen Quinton Jefferson and John Franklin-Myers both sustained hip injuries with Jefferson ruled out and Franklin-Myers listed as questionable to return. Safety Tony Adams exited to be evaluated due to a head injury and was cleared to return.

–Field Level Media

Dec 3, 2023; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Jets quarterback Zach Wilson (2) reacts on the sideline during the first quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Jets turn to QB Zach Wilson to start vs. Texans

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The New York Jets’ quarterback carousel took another turn Wednesday as head coach Robert Saleh announced Zach Wilson will start this weekend’s game against the visiting Houston Texans.

“Zach gives us our best chance to win,” Saleh said. “(We’re) giving him another opportunity to go prove that.”

Saleh said Wilson “was fired up” upon hearing the news. The coach also said the 24-year-old quarterback came into his office on Monday and told him he wanted the ball.

Wilson started nine straight games after Aaron Rodgers tore an Achilles tendon on the Jets’ first series of the season on Sept. 11. Wilson, however, was benched in favor of Tim Boyle for New York’s 34-13 loss to the Miami Dolphins on Nov. 24.

Boyle, in turn, was benched in favor of Trevor Siemian during last Sunday’s 13-8 loss to the Atlanta Falcons. Boyle then was released Tuesday by the Jets (4-8), who signed fellow quarterback Brett Rypien off the Seattle Seahawks’ practice squad.

Wilson has completed 59.2 percent of his passes for 1,944 yards, six TDs and seven interceptions this season. He owns an 11-20 record since being selected by the Jets with the second overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.

Rypien, 27, appeared in two games this season with the Los Angeles Rams, starting one. On the season, he’s 18-for-38 for 172 yards with an interception.

Following his sole start on Nov. 5, a 20-3 loss to the Green Bay Packers, Rypien was released by the Rams and later picked up by the Seahawks.

Also Wednesday, the Jets placed tight end C.J. Uzomah on injured reserve with a knee injury and activated TE Kenny Yeboah in a corresponding move.

Uzomah had eight catches for 58 yards and a TD in 12 games (eight starts) this season. He’ll have to miss at least four games.

Yeboah, 25, has not appeared in a game this season. He has two catches for 36 yards in 19 games (no starts) with the Jets in 2021 and 2022 while playing mostly on special teams. He slots in as TE3.

–Field Level Media