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Jets, Broncos' Updated NFL Draft Picks, Salary Caps After Rumored Zach Wilson Trade

zach bacharContributor IApril 22, 2024

MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 17: Zach Wilson #2 of the New York Jets reacts in the first half during a game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on December 17, 2023 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Brandon Sloter/Image Of Sport/Getty Images)
Brandon Sloter/Image Of Sport/Getty Images

Zach Wilson's time with the New York Jets came to an end on Monday, as the quarterback was traded to the Denver Broncos.

According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, Wilson was sent to Denver along with the No. 256 pick in the 2024 NFL draft in exchange for the No. 203 overall pick.

The Jets had roughly $1.1 million in cap space prior to the deal, per OverTheCap.com. The Broncos had $17 million in cap space, with NFL Network's Tom Pelissero noting that the two teams will be "dividing" Wilson's guaranteed camp roster bonus.

ESPN's Adam Schefter revealed that the Jets are paying $2.75 million and the Broncos are paying $2.75 million of the $5.5 million that the quarterback is owed.

Here is New York's updated list of 2024 draft picks following the deal:

  • Round 1, Pick 10
  • Round 3, Pick 72
  • Round 4, Pick 111
  • Round 4, Pick 134 (from BAL)
  • Round 6, Pick 185
  • Round 6, Pick 203 (from DEN)
  • Round 7, Pick 257 (compensatory)

After the trade, here's a list of Denver's current 2024 draft choices:

  • Round 1, Pick 12
  • Round 3, Pick 76
  • Round 4, Pick 121 (from MIA)
  • Round 5, Pick 136 (from CAR)
  • Round 5, Pick 145 (from NYJ)
  • Round 5, Pick 147
  • Round 6, Pick 207 (from SF)
  • Round 7, Pick 256 (from NYJ)

After he was selected by the Jets with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2021 draft, Wilson's three years with the team were defined by inconsistency. In 33 career starts, the 24-year-old completed 57 percent of his throws for 6,293 yards while racking up 23 touchdown passes compared to 25 interceptions.

With the writing already on the wall regarding Wilson's murky future with the organization, general manager Joe Douglas told reporters on Feb. 28 that the Jets officially gave the quarterback permission to seek a trade.

The former BYU standout should have a chance to compete for a starting spot in Denver after the Broncos released Russell Wilson after the start of the new league year in March.

The team currently has two other quarterbacks on the roster, Jarrett Stidham and Ben DiNucci. Wilson is the most experienced of the trio, as Stidham and DiNucci have just five combined starts throughout their respective careers.

While the Broncos can certainly draft a rookie signal-caller, they're not currently in the range of top quarterback prospects such as USC's Caleb Williams and North Carolina's Drake Maye.

General manager George Paton hinted that the team could look into potentially trading up on Thursday, telling the media that "if it's a player you feel like can change the landscape of your franchise going forward, you do what you have to do to get him."

Still, Wilson will look to thrive with a change of scenery in Denver while the Jets will head into the 2024 season with Rodgers as a starter and free-agent acquisition Tyrod Taylor taking over as New York's backup.