2nd overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. Helped the Cougars to an 11-1 record in his final season in Provo. Zach Wilson was one of the most wanted football talents back in 2021. When the NY Jets picked him from the 2021 draft, Wilson was already a favorite for the ROY award before the season even kicked off. But whether it was the Jets’ bad luck or Wilson’s struggles, the former BYU quarterback never found his rhythm in New York. Believing in his talent, Cris Collinsworth of Sunday Night Football even said that Wilson will have his breakout year in 2022. “If any second-year quarterback will make the leap, I think it’ll be Zach Wilson,” Collinsworth said before the 2022 season. But once again, Wilson only disappointed the Jets and ended his season with just 6 TDs and 7 INTs in his nine starts. Come 2024, the Broncosthe Denver Broncos — desperate for a reliable QB — decided to roll the dice on Wilson. But seems like they are also not interested in a failed product after a poor season. However, there’s still a slim chance Wilson might remain with the Broncos — and it all boils down to one surprising reason.

The Denver Broncos invested $35 million in Wilson when they acquired him from the Jets last season. Wilson may not have proved himself in the NFL, but Payton has always believed in the 25-year-old QB. Last year before the season kicked off, the Broncos HC was full of praise for Wilson and wanted him to succeed as a QB, be it in Denver or anywhere else.

“I grabbed him and I said, ‘Look, I just want you to focus on having fun and playing. My job is to make you millions—either with us or for another team,'” Payton said to Dianna Russini in her podcast in August 2024. You see, despite his poor numbers in New York, Payton had a soft corner for Wilson and could that be a reason the Broncos may not let him go if they decide to continue with a washed talent perhaps?

Wilson pulled up to Denver last April after the Jets said, ‘Yeah, we’re good,’ hoping for a fresh start under Sean Payton. But fast-forward a year, and he is still QB3 behind rookie Bo Nix (the golden boy) and Jarrett Stidham (the NFL’s best-paid clipboard holder). As Scoop City Podcast host Dianna Russini put it, “I’m curious to see A) If Sean Payton’s going to keep him there, try to bring him back because he likes him a lot, or if Zach is going to test the market and see what’s out there for him.” Translation? Wilson has options, but staying in Denver might not be one of them.

And honestly, the writing’s on the wall. The Broncos already declined Wilson’s fifth-year option, which is basically their way of saying. ‘Yeah, we’re not that into you. ‘ Even though he cooked in the 2024 preseason—dropping 397 yards, three TDs, and a 115.4 passer rating, he never touched the field when it actually mattered. Chase Daniel even threw some shade, saying, “Boy, it will. As a backup?” Basically, Wilson’s got talent, but he’s not about to steal anyone’s starting gig.

Then there’s the money problem. Wilson’s locked in for $5.5 million guaranteed, which makes him hella tough to trade. And let’s be real—the Broncos aren’t about to pay third-string money for a dude who won’t even see the field. Chase even said it himself, “Being with Sean Payton for five years, they barely play their backup. So I can’t imagine they’re going to pay a third-string guy good money.” Meanwhile, Dianna threw some shade on Stidham’s ‘job security,’ but it looked like she was praising the starters, saying, “They already have Jarrett Stidham, who’s like the best quarterback insurance on planet Earth because he never plays—because the starter stays healthy.”

But Wilson’s not the only one potentially hopping teams. The Bengals just gave star pass rusher Trey Hendrickson the green light to find a trade. And the Commanders and Falcons are already lurking. Meanwhile, Davante Adams just got cut by the Jets (yikes) and might be heading back to Green Bay—if he and GM Brian Gutekunst can let bygones be bygones.

Other QBs also got their futures in limbo. Geno Smith might not vibe with Seattle’s new head coach. Derek Carr could dip from New Orleans if the Saints go into full rebuild mode. And Deebo Samuel already said his farewell to the 49ers, who decided to stack their bread for Brock Purdy and George Kittle’s upcoming deals.

At the end of the day, Wilson’s time in Denver is looking real temporary. Whether he gets scooped up by another team now or ends up waiting for a ‘break glass in case of emergency‘ QB job. His days in orange and blue are numbered. And for the Broncos, saying goodbye to Wilson might just be the financial glow-up. They need to build a stronger squad.

Is Miami about to be Zach Wilson’s glow-up?

If Zach Wilson is packing his bags, Miami might just be the vibe he needs. No, he’s not rolling in as QB1, but word on the street is the Dolphins might bring him in as a backup for Tua Tagovailoa. And honestly? That low-key makes a lot of sense. Wilson has the arm talent and mobility to slide right into Mike McDaniel’s fast, high-energy offense. As Dianna Russini said on the same Scoop City Podcast, “The Dolphins—just trying to think of a style of play that would fit well with Mike McDaniel. I feel like McDaniel would be awesome with him.”

Let’s be real—Zach Wilson didn’t exactly live up to that No. 2 overall pick hype. But he’s still got enough raw talent to keep teams interested. Miami’s offensive coordinator, Frank Smith, has a rep for developing QBs. Chase Daniel even hinted that Wilson is already on their radar. “Frank Smith love that guy down there,” he said, basically confirming the Dolphins could be in the mix. If they want a solid backup who can step in when needed, Wilson might actually be the move.

But Miami isn’t just looking at Wilson—they’re cooking up a whole roster upgrade. With Jevon Holland possibly dipping, they’re already scouting safeties like Camryn Bynum from the Vikings and Tre’von Moehrig from the Raiders. Moehrig had a fire 2024 season and could be looking at a $12M-a-year deal. Miami might be willing to drop the bag to keep their defense stacked.

On top of that, they’re working to keep linebacker Tyrel Dodson, who pulled up midseason and made an instant impact. If they re-sign him, their defense stays locked in. And let’s not forget the O-line—Tua needs protection. And Miami is reportedly hunting for a top-tier guard to keep him from getting folded.

So yeah, Wilson might not be leading a squad anytime soon, but don’t be surprised if he pops up in Miami. A fresh start under McDaniel, some elite coaching, and a few key free-agent signings? That might just be his ticket to redemption.