NFL analyst argues Broncos' Zach Wilson could shed 'bust' label in Denver

Not many people are expecting much of anything from Denver Broncos quarterback Zach Wilson in 2024, but Bleacher Report’s Alex Kay sees an opportunity for him to finally break through.

The Broncos acquired Wilson in a trade with the New York Jets last month, not long before they selected Oregon quarterback Bo Nix with the 12th overall pick of the NFL Draft.

Nix will almost certainly be Denver’s starting signal-caller in 2024, but Kay sees a world in which Wilson can beat him out for the job.

Why?

Kay notes that Broncos head coach Sean Payton has not historically started rookie quarterbacks, although that probably had a lot to do with the fact that he had Drew Brees in all but one year of his 16-year tenure with the New Orleans Saints.

But Kay adds that Payton was able to maximize Brees’ talents with the Saints, something that the San Diego Chargers were not able to do for him.

Kay is sure to mention that he is not likening Wilson to Brees but only that he thinks if anyone can turn Wilson around, it’s Payton.

Could Wilson ultimately end up beating out Nix for the starting job?

It doesn’t seem very likely, as Nix is already 24 years old, and NFL teams have shifted toward allowing rookie quarterbacks to start right out the gate.

Wilson was originally selected by the Jets with the second overall pick of the 2021 NFL Draft and went just 12-21 as a starter in New York, totaling 23 passing touchdowns and 25 interceptions.

He is still just 24 years old himself and has raw talent, but he has yet to be able to harness it. Perhaps Payton can get the best out of him in Denver.

Still, unless Nix ends up being a bust, it’s hard to imagine that Zach Wilson has a legitimate future in the Mile High City.