Broncos reportedly declining 5th-year option on QB Zach Wilson

The Denver Broncos intend to decline the fifth-year option on quarterback Zach Wilson’s rookie contract, The Denver Gazette’s Chris Tomasson reports.

The deadline to pick fifth-year options for 2021 first-round picks is Thursday. Wilson would receive $22.408 million guaranteed in 2025 upon exercising his option. Instead, he is scheduled to enter next offseason as a free agent.

Denver’s decision to decline that option comes as no surprise. It’s notable considering the Jets drafted Wilson No. 2 overall in 2021 in hopes he would resolve their long-standing issues at quarterback. Instead, he was a historic failure.

Wilson has been benched on multiple occasions in his first two seasons, in part leading to the Jets acquiring Aaron Rodgers to play quarterback in 2023. Wilson then replaced Rodgers after Rodgers suffered a torn Achilles tendon on his first possession with the Jets.

Wilson continued to struggle by throwing eight touchdowns and seven interceptions in 12 games in 2023. The Jets went 4-7 in the 11 games he started. In 34 career games in New York, Wilson completed 57% of his passes for 6.3 yards per attempt and 185.1 yards per game, with 23 touchdowns and 25 interceptions. The Jets traded Wilson to the Broncos last week.

The Broncos acquired Wilson in a late-round pick swap with little risk attached. He joined a roster that at the time had career backup Jarrett Stidham at the top of the quarterback depth chart. The Broncos have since drafted Oregon quarterback Bo Nix with the 12th pick of the draft on Thursday.

It’s unclear whether Nix will be ready to start right away. If not, Wilson could have the opportunity to play and improve his stock before his free agency.