The Broncos have made significant moves in the past month, trading for Zach Wilson and drafting Oregon quarterback Bo Nix in the first round. While Wilson will have a chance to prove himself in Denver this season, there is uncertainty about his future beyond that. According to Chris Tomasson of the Denver Gazette, the team has decided not to exercise the fifth-year option on Wilson’s contract, meaning he could be leaving after this season. This decision was expected as exercising the option would have guaranteed him $22.4 million for 2025.
In contrast, the Broncos did exercise the fifth-year option on cornerback Pat Surtain II’s contract, guaranteeing him $19.8 million for 2025. Wilson, who was the No. 2 pick in the 2021 draft, was acquired by the Broncos through a trade with the Jets. In return for Wilson and a split of his guaranteed salary for 2024 ($5.5 million), which is set at $5.5 million, the Jets received a sixth-round pick (No. 203) and a seventh-round pick (No. 256).
With Wilson and Nix now in contention at quarterback, Denver’s roster includes Jarrett Stidham and Ben DiNucci as they move on from Russell Wilson era that ultimately did not meet expectations as hoped. Despite his potential, Wilson’s time with Jets was mixed; he completed just over half of his passes for over 6,000 yards with 23 touchdowns and 25 interceptions in just 34 games before being traded to Denver