Broncos HC Sean Payton all-in on making Zach Wilson "millions" as QB aims to resurrect stalled career
Zach Wilson was traded from the New York Jets to the Denver Broncos in the offseason. After the former No. 2 overall pick flamed out in New York (and was replaced by Aaron Rodgers), the Broncos, who needed youth and a new direction at quarterback, took a flyer on him. Now, Sean Payton is impressed with the player and intent on making him a lot of money.
Payton said:
“This frickin Zach Wilson now, the last week and a half. I grabbed him and I said ‘Look, I just want you to focus on having fun and playing. My job is to make you millions, either with us or for another team.' His last two weeks have been outstanding.”
They key aspect of that quote is the admission that Wilson's money may not be made from the Broncos. For starters, he's due for a contract sooner than Bo Nix is, and the Broncos will still be reeling from the Russell Wilson contract for the next couple of seasons.
Plus, teams generally don't spend the 12th overall pick on a quarterback if they intend to make the one formerly labeled as a bust the focal point of an offense. It's likely Nix's team, but Payton believes Wilson can make a lot of money somewhere.
Wilson will have to show what he can do in preseason and if he gets any starts in the 2024 season. His contract ends after this season, so he will be a free agent and up for a longterm deal.
Exploring Zach Wilson's career earnings so far
Zach Wilson has only signed one contract despite playing for two teams. The deal he is currently under is still his rookie contract, which began in 2021 and ends in 2024.
Over the course of that contract, Wilson will earn a little over $35.1 million. However, to this date, he has earned $29,697,406 of that total. The rest will come over the course of this season.
Despite being traded, the contract didn't change. It would have if the New York Jets had cut him, but they didn't. They swapped him for a late-round pick from Denver.