The Broncos have their quarterback.
Well, not really.
NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported that the Denver Broncos have acquired former Jets No. 2 overall pick Zach Wilson in a trade Monday.
The Broncos, who hold the No. 12 pick in Thursday’s NFL Draft, have been widely talked about as a potential team that could trade up to select from a deep pool of talented QB prospects. Minnesota has been considered by many draft experts the favorite to move up due to having two first-round picks.
So, does Denver acquiring Wilson take them out of being a potential team the Vikings have to bid against when orchestrating a trade-up?
The simple answer is no.
“It makes sense for the Broncos to take some swings at quarterbacks that other teams are discarding for free but I don’t believe this has any impact on their approach on draft night,” Purple Insider’s Matthew Coller told Bring Me The Sports when asked about the potential draft night impact of the trade.
A new QB in Denver: The #Jets are trading former No. 2 overall pick Zach Wilson to the #Broncos, per sources.
Denver is expect to send a 2024 sixth-round pick to New York for Wilson and a 2024 seventh-rounder, with the teams dividing his guaranteed camp roster bonus. pic.twitter.com/VxDs61o7Ic
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) April 22, 2024
Much like the Vikings, who also acquired a former Jets QB who was taken in the top three, the Broncos are still looking for their long-term solution at the quarterback position.
Denver parted ways this offseason with Russell Wilson, who left behind a massive dead cap hit this year (sound familiar?), and now needs a quarterback that fits their system.
Unlike the Vikings though, Denver isn’t as ready-made to succeed with a rookie QB. Minnesota also has the best draft capital in the NFL – two first-round picks this year – among teams looking to move up.
Wilson is seen more as depth at the position that could turn into something for the future. It doesn’t appear many think he could be the long-term answer for a team after a disastrous start to his career.
Just look at what the Broncos were forced to pay in order to get Wilson, a sixth-round pick. That doesn’t scream QB of the future type price. Denver is taking a flyer while still looking to potentially trade up.
