The Denver Broncos quarterback Zach Wilson has been mentioned as a possible replacement for a Pro Bowl player who is injured.

As the NFL season progresses and injuries begin to pile up, teams often find themselves scrambling for solutions, especially when it comes to key positions like quarterback. This is exactly the situation the Denver Broncos find themselves in after rumors began circulating that Zach Wilson, the former first-round pick of the New York Jets, could be brought in as a replacement for an injured Pro Bowl player.

While many are still grappling with the possibility of this move, it’s important to evaluate how the Broncos ended up in this position, why Wilson has been floated as a potential replacement, and what it would mean for the franchise moving forward. In this article, we’ll break down the circumstances surrounding this situation, what Zach Wilson brings to the table, and how this could impact the Broncos’ 2025 season.

The Broncos’ Current Quarterback Situation

The Denver Broncos have faced significant challenges at the quarterback position over the last few years. After the departure of Peyton Manning and the subsequent struggles to find a suitable replacement, the team has cycled through various quarterbacks in search of stability. Russell Wilson, a former Super Bowl-winning quarterback, was brought in to be the solution for Denver, but his tenure has been inconsistent.

In the 2024 season, the Broncos’ offense showed signs of improvement, but they still lacked the offensive firepower needed to compete consistently in the AFC. Wilson, while capable of occasional brilliance, has not been able to recapture the elite form that he displayed during his time with the Seattle Seahawks. With the Broncos’ quarterback situation still in flux, the franchise’s management began exploring options for strengthening the position.

Given Wilson’s struggles, the team’s focus shifted toward depth at quarterback, especially after it was reported that the Broncos’ starting Pro Bowl player, likely a quarterback, had been injured. The injury to this key player opened up the possibility of Zach Wilson, who was available after spending his first few seasons with the New York Jets, joining the Broncos as a temporary replacement.

Zach Wilson’s NFL Career: A Roller Coaster of Expectations and Reality

Zach Wilson was drafted second overall by the New York Jets in the 2021 NFL Draft, coming off a standout career at BYU. His selection was hailed as a potential cornerstone for the Jets’ future. The hype surrounding Wilson was immense, with many expecting him to be a long-term solution at the quarterback position. However, his first few seasons in the NFL have been tumultuous, marked by inconsistent play, injury concerns, and a general inability to elevate the Jets’ offense.

In his first year with the Jets, Wilson showed flashes of promise but struggled with his decision-making and execution, leading to turnovers and missed opportunities. His rookie year was marred by a poor completion percentage and a lack of offensive production, with many questioning whether he was ready for the NFL. The Jets’ struggles in his early years led to frustration among fans and analysts alike, especially as Wilson was compared to other quarterbacks from his draft class, many of whom seemed to have more immediate success.

In 2023, things took a further turn for the worse when Wilson’s starting role was taken away after the arrival of Aaron Rodgers, a future Hall of Famer. While Wilson was still viewed as a potential future piece for the Jets, his development was stunted, and he failed to get significant playing time, which could have accelerated his growth as a quarterback.

That being said, Zach Wilson’s talent was never in question. Despite his struggles, Wilson has exhibited physical tools that are highly regarded in the NFL: a strong arm, mobility, and the ability to make deep throws downfield. His athleticism and raw talent have intrigued teams, and his upside as a quarterback remains enticing for franchises looking for a potential reclamation project. The Denver Broncos could see Wilson as someone who, if developed properly, could finally realize the potential that made him a top pick in the draft.

Why Zach Wilson for the Broncos?

The primary reason that Zach Wilson has been floated as a replacement for the injured Pro Bowl player is based on his availability and the current quarterback situation in Denver. The Broncos, while having Russell Wilson as their starting quarterback, have faced issues surrounding his performance and health. If the injury to the Pro Bowl player is to keep them sidelined for a significant period, the Broncos may need a quarterback with some level of starting experience—something Zach Wilson possesses from his time with the Jets.

In terms of playing style, Wilson’s skill set could complement what the Broncos’ offense is trying to do. The Broncos have talented weapons at the receiver position, including Jerry Jeudy, Courtland Sutton, and Javonte Williams at running back, all of whom could benefit from a quarterback who has the arm strength to push the ball downfield. While Russell Wilson is known for his ability to stretch the field with his deep ball, Wilson’s lack of consistency and recent struggles make it necessary for the Broncos to look for viable alternatives.

Zach Wilson’s ability to throw the ball deep, coupled with his mobility, might be a good fit for a Broncos offense that needs a spark. Despite his rough years with the Jets, he has shown the physical traits that could be molded into success in the right system. If he is able to step in and play well enough in a short-term role, he could prove to be an effective bridge quarterback until the Broncos can solidify their future at the position.

The Role of the Injury

The injury to the Pro Bowl player, who is reportedly a quarterback, has had a significant impact on the Broncos’ depth chart and their planning for the 2025 season. If this Pro Bowl player is sidelined for an extended period, the Broncos will need to rely on backup options to hold down the fort.

The Pro Bowl player’s injury creates a scenario where the Broncos may have to turn to someone like Zach Wilson to fill in. While there’s been no official confirmation about who exactly this Pro Bowler is, it’s clear that this injury has created a void that the team is looking to fill. Wilson is a free agent with starting experience, and his familiarity with the NFL environment makes him a viable candidate for a temporary role in Denver.

From the Broncos’ perspective, the injury may be an unfortunate setback, but it presents an opportunity to explore alternatives at quarterback without making a long-term commitment. Wilson, as a reclamation project, could serve as an effective placeholder while the Broncos continue to search for a long-term solution.

Potential Impact on the Broncos’ 2025 Season

If Zach Wilson does join the Denver Broncos as a temporary replacement for their injured Pro Bowler, the immediate impact could be a mixed bag. On one hand, Wilson could bring a fresh energy to the position, offering a quarterback who has something to prove and is motivated to showcase his abilities. On the other hand, his track record in New York raises concerns about his consistency, decision-making, and ability to execute in clutch moments.

Wilson’s potential impact could be especially important for the Broncos’ offense, which has struggled at times to maintain a high level of productivity. If Wilson can stay healthy and minimize mistakes, he could help the Broncos remain competitive in a crowded AFC West, especially with teams like the Kansas City Chiefs, Las Vegas Raiders, and Los Angeles Chargers continually vying for top spots.

In the long term, Wilson’s performance would provide the Broncos with valuable information about where they stand in terms of quarterback development. If he performs well, it could open the door for the team to re-evaluate their options at the quarterback position heading into 2026. However, if he struggles, the Broncos may have to look for a more permanent solution either in free agency or through the draft.

What’s Next for Zach Wilson?

For Zach Wilson, this potential move to the Broncos represents an important moment in his career. After a rocky start with the Jets, he now has the opportunity to prove that he can thrive in a new system. The injury to the Pro Bowl player has opened the door for him to show that he still has the talent and potential that made him the second overall pick in 2021.

Wilson’s next few months could shape the trajectory of his NFL career. If he can seize the opportunity and perform well for the Broncos, he could potentially secure a longer-term role with the team or open the door to starting opportunities elsewhere. If not, he might need to continue fighting for another chance to be a starting quarterback, possibly with another franchise.