As 2024 Training Camp powered by Ford approaches, we're taking a closer look at all three quarterbacks on the Broncos' roster. Jarrett Stidham, Zach Wilson and Bo Nix are set to compete for Denver's starting job, and each player spoke with DenverBroncos.com in mid-June.
We continue the series with Wilson, who joined the Broncos via trade in April.
ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — In his first three seasons in the NFL, Zach Wilson has gained plenty of experience.
The former second-overall pick started 13 games as a rookie for the Jets in 2021 and another nine contests in 2022 before beginning the 2023 season as New York's reserve quarterback. Wilson, though, quickly stepped back into the leading role, as he started 11 games in his final season with the Jets in relief of an injured Aaron Rodgers.
Wilson — who completed 57 percent of his passes for 6,293 yards, 23 touchdowns and 25 interceptions over his first three seasons — saw his share of success and struggles during his New York tenure. And after joining the Broncos via trade in April, Wilson is focused on putting that experience to good use during his first training camp in Denver.
"I think [the experience] will help a lot," Wilson told DenverBroncos.com in mid-June. "[I'm] just trying to take the good that came from all of that and kind of flush the bad and learn from the mistakes. Hopefully at this point, I've seen a lot of different things in the league. It can throw a lot of different things at you, and hopefully I'll be ready for those."
Broncos Head Coach Sean Payton said in June that Denver worked for "the better part of a month and a half" on the trade for Wilson, which involved a late-round pick swap with New York.
"We just felt like, 'Man, we'd love to work with this guy,'" Payton said on June 4. "It wasn't too long ago we remembered grading him [as a prospect]. [We] felt the investment was worth it relative to his skill set and his talent."
As the offseason program concluded, Wilson said it was "refreshing" to be in Denver and that he was "extremely excited" to play in Payton's offense. In the midst of a competition with Jarrett Stidham and Bo Nix, Wilson also reiterated the need for consistency as he looks to earn the Broncos' starting job.
"When it comes down to it in the NFL, there's very minute difference between quarterbacks," Wilson said in mid-June. "Everyone's a good player, and so it's [about] how can that small sliver of finding a completion — when maybe there's nothing there — really take you over the top.
"… For me, it's consistently focusing on the little things when I come out here and not messing up something that's simple. [It's about] being able to just consistently do the right thing, play in and play out."
Payton said during OTAs that Wilson had "done a good job" and picked up the offense, and Wilson said his focus for the offseason break would revolve around working to perfect his knowledge of Denver's offense. Wilson said he hoped to "know all the ins and outs" of the scheme so that he can be prepared for the impending competition. Wilson also noted his plan to focus on his footwork during the break.
"[It's about] just making everything as second nature as I can," Wilson said, "so when I come back, I don't have to think about a lot of things and I can play fast."
As Wilson looks to play at a high level in training camp and preseason, he said he relishes the chance to again compete and prove himself.
"That was all I wanted," Wilson said. "Getting traded here, that's all I asked for, is an opportunity. … You don't ever ask to be promised anything, but just let me compete. I think it brings out the best in everybody. I look forward to it."
