The Broncos made several significant moves this month, including trading for Zach Wilson and drafting Oregon quarterback Bo Nix in the first round. While Wilson will have an opportunity 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, which means he could be moving on after this season. This decision was expected, as exercising the option would have guaranteed Wilson $22.4 million for 2025.
On the other hand, 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 in a trade with the Jets, who received a sixth-round pick (No. 203) and a seventh-round pick (No. 256) in return for Wilson and a split of his guaranteed salary for 2024, which is set at $5.5 million.
Despite his potential, Wilson’s time with the Jets was mixed as he completed 57 percent of his passes for 6,293 yards with 23 touchdowns and 25 interceptions in 34 games. With Wilson and Nix now in the mix at quarterback, the Broncos’ room includes Jarrett Stidham and Ben DiNucci as they move on from the Russell Wilson era that ultimately did not pan out as hoped.
