The Indianapolis Colts will likely add a quarterback to compete with Anthony Richardson. Zach Wilson hasn’t had an elite career thus far, he could be the guy that Indy brings in this offseason.
Wilson is in the same boat as Jared Goff, Baker Mayfield, and Sam Darnold. He was a top-two NFL draft who has since been replaced. Each one of the aforementioned players found a new home and found success. Could Wilson find a new spark if he lands in Indy?
Should the Colts Sign Quarterback Zach Wilson?
His Career Thus Far
Zach Wilson played three years at BYU. During his final season (2020), he threw for 3,692 yards and 33 touchdowns with only three interceptions. He also rushed for 254 yards and a whopping 10 touchdowns. The Utah native won the Polynesian Football Player of the Year Award as well.
The New York Jets then selected Wilson second overall in the 2021 NFL Draft. After struggling his first two seasons in New York, he was benched in favor of Aaron Rodgers, who was traded from the Green Bay Packers.
Rodgers, though, suffered a season-ending injury in Week 1. Wilson took over as the starter and had an inconsistent 2023 campaign. He threw for 2,271 yards and eight touchdowns that year. The Jets posted a 4-7 record with him as the starter.
With Rodgers returning, Wilson was traded to the Denver Broncos last offseason. He was beat out by Bo Nix for the starting job and never played a game this past season.
Can Zach Wilson Pull a Sam Darnold in Indy?
The Colts drafted Anthony Richardson fourth overall in 2023. So far, the former Florida star just hasn’t looked like a franchise quarterback. He has missed a lot of time due to injury. He was temporarily benched and has struggled mightily passing the ball.
Yes, Richardson can still become an elite quarterback. He must vastly improve, though, for that to come to fruition. He needs another quarterback to come in and push him to be better. A 40-year-old like Joe Flacco, who was Richardson’s backup this past season, just isn’t the answer.
What about Zach Wilson? The 25-year-old was a bust in New York and never saw the field with the Broncos. However, sometimes players manage to ditch the “bust” label and become impact players.
Just look at Darnold, who the Jets drafted third overall in 2018. Like Wilson, Darnold lasted only three seasons in New York before being traded. Yet, he eventually became a star. Darnold had the best season of his career this past season, making the Pro Bowl and leading the Minnesota Vikings to a 14-3 record. He also finished as a finalist for Comeback Player of the Year.
Could Zach Wilson “Pull a Sam Darnold” if he signs with the Colts? It’s not impossible. Richardson has struggled to stay healthy, which means Wilson could potentially see some time. Also, he could beat out Richardson in training camp.
Sure, Wilson could wind up becoming a star down the road. However, it would be wise for the Colts to sign someone like Justin Fields or Jameis Winston, who would give Richardson better competition for the starting job.
Main Image: Clark Wade – USA Today Sports
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