If an NFL team is on the lookout for a backup quarterback in the coming weeks, they should consider reaching out to the Denver Broncos.
According to Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox, Denver quarterback Zach Wilson is ranked No. 6 on his latest list of top NFL trade targets, with the Green Bay Packers and New York Giants emerging as potential destinations.
Knox noted, “Like Mac Jones, Wilson had some standout moments during the preseason that could attract trade interest. The Packers, currently without Jordan Love for the near future, might need a quarterback to cover the next few weeks. Although NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported that the Packers have not shown interest in pursuing a veteran quarterback at this time, this could change based on Malik Willis’s performance in Week 2.”
Wilson was not on the active roster for the Broncos’ Week 1 loss to the Seattle Seahawks and served as the team’s emergency third quarterback. Rookie Bo Nix secured the starting spot over Wilson and veteran Jarrett Stidham during training camp.
The Broncos acquired Wilson from the New York Jets during the offseason. While the trade itself was modest—Wilson and a 2024 7th round pick were exchanged for the Broncos’ 2024 6th round pick—securing a similar draft pick in return would be a win for the Broncos.
Knox pointed out, “Wilson, a first-round disappointment from the 2021 draft, is currently behind both Bo Nix and Jarrett Stidham on Denver’s depth chart. With Nix’s less-than-stellar NFL debut, Wilson could be seen as a tradeable asset.”
Given the Packers’ uncertainty surrounding Jordan Love’s injury and their unproven backup, Malik Willis, the Giants could also be a candidate for Wilson. The Giants are facing a challenging season, with starting quarterback Daniel Jones struggling in a Week 1 loss to the Minnesota Vikings, which might make them consider additional quarterback options.
Wilson, drafted by the Jets at No. 2 overall in the 2021 NFL Draft and signed to a four-year, $35.1 million contract, has struggled with a 12-21 record as a starter, throwing 23 touchdowns and 25 interceptions. Despite these challenges, he will still receive the full amount of his rookie contract, bolstered by a $22.9 million signing bonus.