For Zach Wilson, his Jets divorce this offseason that landed him in Denver is “bittersweet.”
“Obviously, there’s bittersweet moments in everything,” Wilson said Thursday in his first comments since the April trade. “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.”
The Jets traded Wilson to the Broncos this offseason to give the 2021 No. 2 pick a fresh start after a once-promising relationship did not pan out as expected.
Wilson, 24, did not play well when given the opportunity, throwing 23 touchdowns compared to 25 interceptions in 34 games (33 starts), including last year’s eight-touchdown, seven-interception showing.
He posted a completion percentage of just 57 percent.
The Jets also failed to provide a stable environment for Wilson during his time with the team, with offensive line issues and underwhelming offensive coordinators.
Although the Jets tried to play up the idea of Wilson learning as Aaron Rodgers’ backup and then being ready to take the reins once Rodgers left town, that idea always seemed like it would be the best-case scenario rather than reality.
Wilson would then struggle — getting benched for a second straight season — after Rodgers suffered a torn Achilles four plays into the season.
The Jets ultimately traded Wilson for pennies, taking a sixth-round pick in exchange for a seventh-round selection.
“I feel like you learn the most when things don’t always go the best,” Wilson said. “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.”
Wilson would have had no path to starting with the Jets barring another Rodgers injury, but he at least has a chance to be the Broncos’ starting quarterback.
While the Broncos hope first-round pick Bo Nix is the franchise quarterback they’ve lacked in recent years, it’s not uncommon for rookies to sit at the start of the year.
Veteran Jarrett Stidham is also in the mix.
“Personally, I think competition brings out the best in anybody, I look forward to what we have,” Wilson said. “I appreciate the ownership from the top down, just for the opportunity to be here to compete.”
Wilson said his short time with his new team has been “awesome” and he’s excited to work with Sean Payton, who famously ripped Wilson’s former Jets offensive coordinator in Nathaniel Hackett.
“Obviously, he’s done a phenomenal job for as long as I can remember,” Wilson said of Payton. “I loved watching him and Drew (Brees) back in the day and the efficiency they played with, how consistent it was, how explosive they were as an offense and just taking what the defense gives you. Just looking to keep growing and learning every single day from him.”
