Top 3 Free Agent Destinations for Former BYU Quarterback Zach Wilson
After struggling through three challenging seasons with the disorganized New York Jets and spending a year as a backup with the Denver Broncos, Zach Wilson is now a free agent eager to restart his career.
Denver Broncos vs Las Vegas Raiders
After escaping the turmoil of the New York Jets last year, former BYU quarterback Zach Wilson spent the 2024 season as a backup with the Denver Broncos. With four seasons in the NFL and his rookie contract now expired, Wilson is a free agent and eligible to sign with any of the 32 NFL teams.
Here are the top three destinations where he could revive his NFL career when free agency opens on March 12th:
Las Vegas Raiders
Reports have already surfaced connecting Wilson to the Raiders, including a post from Las Vegas Review Journal reporter Vincent Bonsignore.
The Raiders could be a great fit for Wilson, as they are in desperate need of a starting quarterback. Last season, the combined efforts of Gardner Minshew, Aidan O’Connell, and Desmond Ridder resulted in a 4-13 record. Las Vegas does have two solid receiving threats in tight end Brock Bowers (112 receptions, 1,194 yards last season) and wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (87 receptions, 1,027 yards), who could be attractive targets for Wilson as he searches for a new team.
Though the Raiders hold the No. 6 overall pick in this year’s draft and may target a quarterback, if they don’t select one, Las Vegas could offer Wilson the clearest path to a starting job.
Los Angeles Rams
The Rams could be a perfect long-term option for Wilson. Their starting quarterback, Matthew Stafford, is 37 and almost left the team during the offseason before re-signing. Los Angeles needs a backup plan for when Stafford eventually retires.
Additionally, head coach Sean McVay, known for his offensive brilliance, could help Wilson succeed. McVay, always aiming to win, likely doesn’t want to undergo a rebuild after Stafford’s tenure ends. Wilson could serve as a reliable backup if Stafford gets injured in 2025 and could take over as the starter around 2026.
Moreover, it would be a thrilling scenario for BYU fans to see Wilson and Puka Nacua play together, especially if Wilson eventually replaces Stafford as the starting quarterback. Football world, make this happen
Seattle Seahawks
Geno Smith, Seattle’s current quarterback, is 34 and in the final year of his contract. Like Wilson, Smith was drafted by the New York Jets, suffered under that franchise, and spent years as a backup before finally starting for Seattle in 2022. Smith’s career resurgence is a testament to the idea that sometimes the right opportunity simply takes time.
Although Smith had a Pro Bowl-worthy 2022 and 2023, his 2024 season was not as strong. Despite a solid 10-7 record for the Seahawks, Smith threw a career-high 15 interceptions while passing for 21 touchdowns. Smith’s future with the team remains uncertain, making Seattle a strong landing spot for Wilson. He could provide quality backup support for a team with playoff aspirations while also serving as a potential bridge to a post-Smith future.
