Wilson Falling Behind Nix and Stidham in Broncos’ QB Competition
The Denver Broncos’ quarterback race may be leaving Zach Wilson behind, according to observations from Nick Kosmider of The Athletic.
Kosmider notes that after 12 practices, including 10 OTAs and two minicamp sessions, Wilson, the former No. 2 overall pick, appears to be losing ground to rookie Bo Nix and veteran Jarrett Stidham.
“It’s hard to see how Zach Wilson fits in at quarterback for the Broncos,” Kosmider wrote, highlighting Wilson’s unique arm talent but suggesting he needs more time to adapt to Denver’s offense compared to Nix.
While training camp could change the dynamics, it’s currently difficult to picture Wilson starting for Denver in Week 1, and he faces an uphill battle even for the backup role.
Wilson was traded from the New York Jets to the Broncos in April 2024, along with a seventh-round pick, in exchange for a sixth-round pick.
Wilson’s Polarizing Tenure in New York
Kosmider’s mention of Wilson’s arm strength is ironic given that it was this very attribute that launched his NFL career, particularly a viral throw from BYU’s Pro Day in 2021. Selected No. 2 overall in 2021, Wilson struggled with the Jets, going 12-21 as a starter. In 2023, he was thrust into action after Aaron Rodgers tore his Achilles tendon in the season opener.
Wilson’s tenure with the Jets was marked by a particularly poor performance in a 10-3 loss to the New England Patriots in 2022, where he completed just 9 of 22 passes for 77 yards.
His post-game comment that he didn’t think the offense let the defense down, despite the team’s poor performance, led to his benching and significant media backlash, signaling the end of his time in New York.
Stidham and Nix as Contenders
Despite Stidham entering his sixth NFL season, he isn’t necessarily a better option than Wilson or Nix. Stidham, who has been called upon late in the season to replace benched starters for AFC West teams, went 0-2 in 2022 after Derek Carr was benched by the Raiders and 1-1 in 2023 after Russell Wilson was benched by the Broncos.
Nix, who holds the FBS Division I record with 61 career starts at Auburn and Oregon, contrasts with Wilson’s 28 starts over three seasons at BYU. Both Nix and Wilson will be 24 years old when training camp begins.
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