Zach Wilson Rumors: Broncos to Decline $22M Contract Option for 2025 After Jets Trade

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In a move that won't surprise anyone, the Denver Broncos will decline to pick up the fifth-year option on the contract of quarterback Zach Wilson before Thursday's deadline after acquiring him from the New York Jets earlier this month, per Chris Tomasson of the Denver Gazette.

The option would've been worth $22.4 million for the 2025 season. Wilson will now be scheduled to be an unrestricted free agent after the 2024 campaign, giving him a chance to explore the open market.

The Broncos sent a sixth-round pick (No. 203) in the 2024 NFL draft to the Jets in exchange for Wilson and a seventh-round pick (No. 256). Denver and New York reportedly agreed to split his $5.5 million salary for the 2024 season, with each team paying $2.75 million.

Four days after acquiring Wilson, the Broncos still drafted quarterback Bo Nix out of Oregon with the 12th overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft. He will likely battle it out with Wilson and Jarrett Stidham for the starting quarterback position.

Wilson entered the league as the No. 2 pick in the 2021 draft. However, it was clear early on that projections were too lofty, as he struggled right out of the gates for New York. A tumultuous three-year tenure saw him get benched multiple times and face immense criticism from fans and pundits. In 34 career games, he threw for 6,293 yards, 23 touchdowns and 25 interceptions while completing 57.0 percent of his passes.

Wilson will turn 25 in August, so perhaps his best days are ahead of him following the change of scenery this offseason. With his option expected to be declined, he may have the chance to find a fresh start if he ultimately becomes a free agent next year.