Former Second-Overall Pick Connected to 3 Teams In Trade Talks

The New York Jets are trying to trade Zach Wilson, but the quarterback doesn’t have a strong market. Originally selected with the second-overall pick in what was supposed to be a strong 2021 NFL Draft class, the BYU product has ranked at or near the bottom of just about every passing metric since entering the league. Benched multiple times for poor play, the Jets will move forward with the combination of Aaron Rodgers and Tyrod Taylor.

While Zach Wilson is not a starting-caliber quarterback at the moment, some teams could be interested in a trade. The quarterback’s ideal combination of arm strength and athleticism means that he has the raw potential to develop into a starting quarterback, and there is an outside chance that a change of scenery could bring out the best in him.

Cody Benjamin of CBS Sports recently released an article detailing possible trade candidates, with Zach Wilson headlining the bunch. According to the analyst, the Chiefs, Rams, and Saints could consider making a move for the 2021 second-overall pick.

3 Suitors Emerge In Zach Wilson Trade

It’s worth noting that this article came out after the Chiefs signed Carson Wentz, which means that Benjamin believes that a Zach Wilson trade is still on the table for Kansas City. This would be surprising, as Wentz already fills the role of a high-ceiling reclamation project, but his floor is notably higher than Wilson’s. Neither quarterback can match Mahomes (this statement rings true for almost every active quarterback), but if he has to miss a month due to injury, Wentz is more capable of keeping the ship afloat.

The Rams signed Jimmy Garoppolo as veteran insurance for Matthew Stafford, but a Zach Wilson trade could make sense for this club. With Stafford not getting any younger and Stetson Bennett’s future unclear, this team could be willing to send a conditional seventh-round pick for a low-risk, high-reward developmental veteran like Wilson.

The Saints, meanwhile, make the most sense out of these three teams. Derek Carr is mediocrity personified, Taysom Hill could be on the trade block, Nathan Peterman is Nathan Peterman, and Jake Haener hasn’t done enough to solidify a roster spot. Zach Wilson won’t automatically earn the backup position, but the trade candidate could easily win the job in an offseason battle.

Of course, these aren’t the only teams who could consider a Zach Wilson trade. Quarterback is the most important position in the game, and several organizations could use a low-risk, high-upside backup to develop.

Other Potential Fits

Los Angeles Chargers

Justin Herbert is a great quarterback, and the 2023 season shows what will happen to the Chargers if he misses an extended period. Easton Stick did his best in Herbert’s absence, but the former fifth-round pick doesn’t have the highest ceiling. Back in 2011, Jim Harbaugh transformed Alex Smith from a bust into a reliable quarterback, so perhaps he can do the same for Zach Wilson in a trade.

Denver Broncos

The Denver Broncos will have Jarrett Stidham battling it out with a second-tier prospect like Bo Nix in 2024. That is perhaps the most underwhelming quarterback room in football, so they might as well add some competition with a Zach Wilson trade. Chances are, the BYU product will crash and burn just like he did in the past. However, seeing as he costs next to nothing in a trade, the Broncos might as well take the risk.

Baltimore Ravens

Lamar Jackson is a superstar, but backup quarterback Josh Johnson is not. This team needs to find a Tyler Huntley replacement, and a Zach Wilson trade might get the job done. The cash-strapped Ravens already have to fill several holes on the roster, and they might be willing to trade a seventh-round pick if the Jets take on most of Wilson’s salary.