When the Broncos traded for Jets quarterback Zach Wilson earlier this week, head coach Sean Payton said the move wasn’t meant to be a smoke screen ahead of Thursday night’s NFL draft.
Payton made it clear that the team was looking to add a veteran quarterback. And for weeks, he said general manager George Paton has been working with the Jets to get a deal done.
“There was no specific timing. It just took a little bit of time,” Payton said after Thursday’s first round. “I know when (traded for) him (was) closer to the draft, but it could’ve very well been three weeks ago.”
Denver loaded up its quarterback room this week, acquiring Wilson and drafting former Oregon star Bo Nix with the 12th overall pick.
Although all signs point toward Nix being the franchise signal caller, Payton expects all the quarterbacks, including Jarrett Stidham, to compete for a starting job.
Stidham has started four career games, including the final two of last season, throwing for 496 yards, two touchdowns and an interception. Wilson made 33 starts for the Jets. Nix is one of the more experienced quarterbacks in the draft class, starting in 61 career games in five seasons on the college level.
“(Former Cowboys head coach) Bill (Parcells) taught me a long time ago to let them play,” Payton said. “We (have) to maximize the reps that we have, let them develop and that stuff will sort itself out.”
Wilson’s production hasn’t matched his expectations coming out of BYU as the second overall draft pick in 2021. He threw for 6,923 passing yards, 23 touchdowns and 25 interceptions in three seasons in New York.
After two underwhelming seasons, the Jets decided to trade for 2-time MVP Aaron Rodgers. However, Wilson saw himself back in the starting lineup after Rodgers tore his Achilles in the season-opener against the Buffalo Bills.
Wilson still struggled under center, throwing for 2,271 yards, eight touchdowns and seven interceptions. His NFL journey thus far has been shaky, but the Broncos value his traits.
“There were a number of veteran quarterbacks that signed contracts and yet, we saw talent with a player who just three years ago, was the No. 2 overall pick in the draft,” Payton said. “…I think the first step for all these guys (is to figure out) what they do well.”
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