Zach Wilson endured a difficult year in the league after joining the Broncos from the Giants. He was stuck behind rookie Bo Nix, who more than impressed Sean Payton. Wilson, a former No. 2 pick went from the chaos of the Jets to a fresh start in Denver, only to spend the season as an afterthought. While rookie Bo Nix took the spotlight, Wilson and Stidham played the role of supportive cast members—helping the kid grow, running drills, and bonding over Thursday night dinners. But now as free agency looms, Wilson finds himself at a crossroads and the news coming out of Denver suggests that QB room might not have space for him in 2025.

In 2024, the Broncos found their quarterback of the future in Bo Nix. Not since the days of Peyton Manning have the Denver faithful seen such promise at the position. He looks like a few steps away from taking the franchise to the next level with Payton a big supporter of the player. While the franchise seemed to have solved this dilemma, that is not the end of QB questions in Denver.

Nick Kosmider of The Athletic laid it out: “One component of Bo Nix’s encouraging development as a rookie quarterback last season was the relationship he built with his backups, Jarrett Stidham and Zach Wilson.” Stidham and Wilson weren’t just clipboard holders—they were part of the process. But let’s be real: Only one can stay. And based on how Payton operates, Stidham has the inside track.

Both Wilson and Stidham are set to hit unrestricted free agency and at 25, the future of the former Jets man is an interesting story to follow. He is coming off a season where he sat back, observed, and honed his craft and now has the chance to grab his chance but will Payton give him the opportunity at the Broncos?

It is hard to see Wilson taking the backseat once again and if any other team takes him, they would see him as a contender for the QB1 spot, at least that is what Wilson would want. But it is hard to see such a scenario play out with Payton and Nix.

Payton made it clear, “We have to secure who the backup is. There are probably a few moving parts there, but I was real pleased with the room. Then the uniqueness off the field with those guys getting along well. They really worked together well.” However, Kosmider has a prediction for you, well a spoiler perhaps.

According to him, “The Broncos bring back Stidham on a one- or two-year deal and add a developmental prospect on Day 3 of the draft or in college free agency.”

So what does that mean for Wilson? He’s got options, sure. But good ones? That’s the question. The free-agent QB market isn’t exactly stacked, and with Matthew Stafford re-signing in L.A., one fewer starting spot is up for grabs. Wilson is only 25 and has five years of experience, but the league isn’t exactly knocking down his door with golden opportunities. At best, he might find a team willing to let him compete for a starting role. At worst? Another year holding a tablet, waiting for an injury to open a door.

And let’s not sugarcoat this—Wilson needs a fresh start. The Jets era was a disaster, and last season was more of a learning experience than a redemption arc. If he wants to resurrect his career, he has to land somewhere that gives him a legitimate shot. Las Vegas? Seattle? Maybe even a long-term play in L.A. behind Stafford? He’s got to pick wisely. Another bad fit could officially stamp him as a career backup.

Payton liked having both Stidham and Wilson, but this isn’t a democracy—someone’s out. And if Payton had to choose, Stidham makes more sense. He’s been in Denver longer, he’s got a steady presence, and he’s the safe choice. Wilson, on the other hand, is still seen as a wildcard.

So, what’s the move here? If Payton picks Stidham, Wilson has to pivot fast. He’s got to sell himself as a capable starter—or at least a high-end backup with upside. The problem? Teams aren’t exactly desperate for QBs like him. Even the squads that need help—Vegas, Minnesota, Washington—are more likely to draft a guy than take a shot on a former No. 2 pick who hasn’t lived up to the billing.

Wilson’s next few weeks could define his career. Either he finds a team willing to bet on him, or he drifts into the QB wilderness, joining the ranks of talented but forgotten passers. It’s not just about finding a new team—it’s about proving he still belongs.

But for now, the decision on his future might not be Wilson’s priority as he is dealing with a difficult time in the family.

Zach Wilson is dealing with a critical family situation

Zach Wilson’s offseason is uncertain, but now, football is the least of his worries.

On Feb. 28, Wilson’s mother, Lisa, shared some tough news. The QB’s father, Mike Wilson, is dealing with a liver issue. And the way she described it? It caught everyone off guard. “I am actually at the hospital because my husband, my big, strong, handsome husband that is not sick at all, that feels amazing, that feels better than he ever has in his whole entire life… he’s getting a liver biopsy,” she said.

The Wilsons didn’t even go looking for this. A routine blood test for general wellness flagged Mike’s liver enzymes as unusually high. “Everything else looked great, he looked really healthy, and he was healthier then,” Lisa explained. Doctors initially thought it could be a fatty liver, but the follow-up tests told a different story.

Fans didn’t hesitate to rally around Wilson and his family. Lisa later posted a picture with Mike, her head resting on his shoulder, reminding everyone to cherish their loved ones. “Love your people every chance you get.” It’s the kind of message that sticks with you.

As for Zach, he hasn’t spoken publicly about his dad’s health—and honestly, he doesn’t have to. The guy’s juggling enough, with his football future up in the air and his family going through this. Right now, free agency can wait. The biggest thing on his mind isn’t playbooks or roster spots—it’s something way bigger than football.