I can say that Zach Wilson’s journey has been a rollercoaster ride, from his standout college career at BYU to his tumultuous tenure with the New York Jets. But on Sunday, the former Jets quarterback found redemption in an unexpected appearance for the Denver Broncos against his old team.
Head coach Sean Payton made a surprising move when the Broncos, led by rookie QB Bo Nix, were losing to the Chargers: he brought Wilson, the team’s backup, into the game for a series or two.
Bold Move to Showcase Wilson
It was a bold move, given that Nix has been the Broncos’ starter all season. But as one NFL insider noted, “Before Denver becomes a legit threat in the AFC, they need a deeper roster. In order for that to become reality, they’ll need to be patient.”
Payton recognized that Wilson, the second overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, still has value as a trade asset. By showcasing him against the Jets, the Broncos could potentially generate interest from other teams in need of a quarterback.
“Circle Nov. 5. It’s not just for presidential elections anymore. That’s also this year’s NFL trade deadline. The Broncos possess a valuable trade asset that is currently unused. In order to maximize its value, the Broncos really should take it down, dust it off, and show it off just a little bit,” the insider added.
Wilson’s Redemption Moment
Wilson saw this unexpected appearance as an opportunity for redemption. Wilson found himself in a backup role with the Broncos after three turbulent seasons with the Jets, where he faced multiple benchings and struggled to meet expectations.
But on Sunday, he seized the opportunity. Stepping onto the field, Wilson showed flashes of the talent that made him a highly coveted prospect out of BYU. He made some impressive throws, showcasing his rocket arm and making a case for himself as a potential trade target.
“The fact of the matter is that Wilson has no future in Denver. Everyone knows that. However, he remains the same individual who was selected as the second overall pick from BYU, possessing a powerful arm. He’s young (same age as Nix) and more experienced. He could help another NFL team. At this moment, he’s doing nothing for the Broncos,” the insider said.
Fans rallied behind Wilson.
Unexpectedly, a Jets fan in the stands apologized to Wilson for the treatment he had endured in New York as he took the field. “One fan at MetLife Stadium apologized to Wilson for the way fans treated him during his stint in the Big Apple,” reported NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo.
The fan’s gesture was a touching moment, a reminder that even in the cutthroat world of professional sports, there is still room for empathy and understanding. Wilson graciously accepted the apology, even taking a selfie with the fan. It was a small, but significant gesture that helped heal some of the wounds from his tumultuous time with the Jets.
Broncos’ Playoff Hopes
As the Broncos continue their push for the playoffs, the decision to showcase Wilson could pay dividends. If the Broncos can find a trade partner willing to part with a valuable asset for the young quarterback, it could help them to bolster their roster and make a serious run at the postseason.
“Denver could then trade Wilson to Miami or another place in dire need of a QB to acquire another building block.” Who loses in this scenario? No one. The Broncos need to be aggressive in the trade market. Fortune favors the bold, not the rigid,” the insider said.
For Wilson, the unexpected appearance against the Jets was a chance to showcase his talents and potentially find a new home where he can revive his NFL career. And for the Broncos, it was a savvy move to maximize the value of a player who was languishing on the bench.
The Broncos and their quarterback situation will be the focus of attention as the NFL trade deadline approaches. But for now, Zach Wilson can take solace in the fact that he has found a measure of redemption, both on the field and in the hearts of the fans who once doubted him.
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