How much are the Broncos paying Zach Wilson? NFL insider reveals ex-Jets QB’s salary
The Denver Broncos have reportedly traded for Zach Wilson in a shocking move just a few days before the 2024 NFL draft. The now-former New York Jets QB will try to rejuvenate his career with the Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
The quarterback trade also got the Jets a sixth-round pick in the draft on Saturday, while the Broncos will receive a seventh-round pick in the draft. Both franchises will also split the burden of paying Wilson equally.
Zach Wilson was drafted by the Jets as the second pick in 2021. Wilson was in the final year of his rookie contract and set to receive $5.5 million this year. The Broncos will pay him $2.75 million while the Jets will pay the other $2.75 million, according to NFL insider Adam Schefter of ESPN.
“Compensation update on Zach Wilson trade: Jets and Broncos are splitting the $5.5 million that is due Wilson this season: Jets are paying $2.75 million and the Broncos are paying $2.75 million,” Schefter tweeted.
The BYU graduate will join the Broncos after the team released Russell Wilson, who won a Super Bowl with the Seattle Seahawks, in March. While Russell settles in with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Zach will look to make a name for himself with the Broncos.
Sean Payton to work with Zach Wilson
After Russell Wilson’s unsuccessful first year with the Broncos in 2022, legendary head coach Sean Payton was brought in to man the ship in January 2023. However, their relationship soured within a few months. Now Payton will be eager to bring the best out of Zach Wilson.
Payton also has Jarrett Stidham and Ben DiNucci at his disposal. The three quarterbacks are set to jostle for the starting position. Wilson is the youngest of the bunch and has a higher ceiling based on the draft position of the other two.
However, will Wilson’s strength on paper translate on the field with the Broncos? Or will he once again lose his starting role?