Speaking to the media, former New York Jets quarterback Zach Wilson reflected on his time with the team
Former New York Jets quarterback Zach Wilson‘s tenure in New York was far from perfect. Speaking to the media on Thursday for the first time since being traded to the Denver Broncos, Wilson opened up on his thoughts about his former team.
“Obviously, there’s bittersweet moments in everything,” Wilson started. “I was grateful for my experiences there and the guys. I miss the guys out there and everything too. But at the same time, a fresh start is good. I’m excited to attack a new challenge.”
#Broncos QB Zach Wilson speaks to reporters for the first time since getting traded to Denver. He talks about the QB competition, his reaction to getting traded and the opportunity for a fresh start. pic.twitter.com/X5s3sHR7Gg
— Ryan McFadden (@ryanmcfadden_) May 23, 2024
Wilson was traded to the Broncos this offseason in a pick swap, with the Jets also sending a 2024 seventh-round pick (No. 256) with him to receive Denver’s 2024 sixth-round pick (No. 207).
Wilson struggled with the Jets, posting league-low numbers in most statistics and a 13-21 record. Yet, Wilson knows that those struggles bring ample opportunities to learn.
“I feel like you learn the most when things don’t always go the best,” said Wilson. “So you bank those reps, you learn from them, and three years of things being challenging, you’re going to learn a lot of things. So, hopefully, I can keep carrying those with me.”
With the Broncos, Wilson will enter a three-man competition at quarterback. He enters the mix with 2024 first-round pick (No. 12 overall) Bo Nix and veteran Jarrett Stidham. Although Wilson likely has an outside shot at becoming the starter, he welcomes the competition yet to come.
“Personally, I think competition brings out the best in anybody, I look forward to what we have,” Wilson said.
Wilson will be playing under head coach Sean Payton, who made some scathing comments about Jets offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett last season. The Jets would eventually beat the Broncos 31-21 in Denver last year, and many players would later defend Hackett – including Wilson.
“He’s an unbelievable dude,” Wilson said after the game. “Amazing character. Sounds maybe a little selfish, but I’m glad he’s here with us.”
And as fate would have it, the two teams match up again in Week 4 this season.
