Zach Wilson, once seen as the future of the New York Jets, has made a notable impression during the final preseason game, where he played nearly every drive except for one. In a surprising twist, he showcased his talents with two touchdown passes, including a striking 46-yard completion in the fourth quarter to Brandon Johnson.
The status of Wilson as a second-string quarterback remains uncertain, especially with Jarrett Stidham, who had a lackluster preseason, positioned as the safer choice for backup behind starter Bo Nix. When questioned whether financial implications would influence the decision—specifically, the potential to save $5 million by cutting Stidham—head coach Sean Payton dismissed the notion, expressing his belief that all three quarterbacks could remain on the roster.
Wilson’s time with the Denver Broncos presents a significant opportunity for rehabilitation. After a troubled tenure with the Jets, where fans still shudder at the mention of his name, Wilson was traded to the Broncos along with a seventh-round pick in exchange for a sixth-round selection. He is seen as a safety net for the team should they fail to secure Nix in the draft.
While Wilson may not be fully restored to his former glory just yet, he has certainly demonstrated signs of rejuvenation. “We all want to play,” he said. His playful, electric style of play has captivated audiences, as seen when he executed impressive throws, including a 23-yard pass to receiver David Sills V and a 19-yarder to tight end Nate Adkins.
Payton’s focus appears to be on ensuring Wilson gets the compensation he deserves, whether with the Broncos or elsewhere. Following his announcement of Nix as the starting quarterback—the first rookie to achieve this since John Elway in 1983—Payton highlighted Wilson’s impressive performance in practice.
Throughout Sunday’s game, Wilson displayed his abilities vividly, notably with a 37-yard completion that set the stage for another scoring drive. His skill set differentiates him from the other quarterbacks on the roster; he possesses a throwing style that blends precision with flair, as noted by Johnson, who compared Wilson’s fastball-like passes to those he witnessed his father throw in Major League Baseball.
Wilson’s performance has garnered attention from analysts as well, with ESPN’s Dan Orlovsky suggesting he deserves to be the No. 2 quarterback in Denver, while Chase Daniel remarked on Wilson’s impressive play and declared that he has earned a backup role somewhere in the league.
Despite his previous struggles in New York, Wilson’s potential as a valuable backup across the league is evident. This season, he managed to finish the preseason with a completion rate of 58.3%, amassing 397 yards along the way.
While he may face challenges, including competing behind a less-than-stellar offensive line, the signs are promising. His recent outings suggest he is finding his footing within Payton’s system, which allows him to utilize his athleticism effectively.
As the regular season approaches, a realistic expectation for Wilson would be to support Nix and step in when necessary. The recent preseason performance indicates that keeping him as a backup could prove beneficial for the Broncos, providing them with a capable quarterback in case of an emergency.