I wonder what’s going on inside Zach Wilson‘s head right now. His father’s in the hospital with a liver problem. Free agency is looming. And just when he thought he could take a breath, here comes another curveball—Sean Payton might be rolling with Jarrett Stidham as the Broncos’ backup.
Tough break, right? Wilson can’t even process one problem before another one drops into his lap.
Let’s talk about Wilson’s reality for a second. The former No. 2 pick went from the chaos of the Jets to a fresh start in Denver, only to spend the season as an afterthought. While rookie Bo Nix took the spotlight, Wilson and Stidham played the role of supportive cast members—helping the kid grow, running drills, and bonding over Thursday night dinners. It was a nice little setup, but now? That QB room might not have space for both of them in 2025. Wilson’s next stop is still a mystery, but Stidham might be getting a front-row seat to Payton’s next act.
Nick Kosmider of The Athletic laid it out: “One component of Bo Nix’s encouraging development as a rookie quarterback last season was the relationship he built with his backups, Jarrett Stidham and Zach Wilson.” Stidham and Wilson weren’t just clipboard holders—they were part of the process. But let’s be real: Only one can stay. And based on how Payton operates, Stidham has the inside track.
NFL, American Football Herren, USA AFC Wild Card Round-Denver Broncos at Buffalo Bills Jan 12, 2025 Orchard Park, New York, USA Denver Broncos quarterback Zach Wilson 4 warms up before a game against the Buffalo Bills in an AFC wild card game at Highmark Stadium. Orchard Park Highmark Stadium New York USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xGregoryxFisherx 20250112_tcs_es2_019
So what does that mean for Wilson? He’s got options, sure. But good ones? That’s the question. The free-agent QB market isn’t exactly stacked, and with Matthew Stafford re-signing in L.A., one fewer starting spot is up for grabs. Wilson is only 25 and has five years of experience, but the league isn’t exactly knocking down his door with golden opportunities. At best, he might find a team willing to let him compete for a starting role. At worst? Another year holding a tablet, waiting for an injury to open a door.
And let’s not sugarcoat this—Wilson needs a fresh start. The Jets era was a disaster, and last season was more of a learning experience than a redemption arc. If he wants to resurrect his career, he has to land somewhere that gives him a legitimate shot. Las Vegas? Seattle? Maybe even a long-term play in L.A. behind Stafford? He’s got to pick wisely. Another bad fit could officially stamp him as a career backup.
Meanwhile, back in Denver, Payton isn’t wasting time. “We have to secure who the backup is,” he said. “There are probably a few moving parts there, but I was real pleased with the room.” Translation? He liked having both Stidham and Wilson, but this isn’t a democracy—someone’s out. And if Payton had to choose, Stidham makes more sense. He’s been in Denver longer, he’s got a steady presence, and he’s the safe choice. Wilson, on the other hand, is still seen as a wildcard.
So, what’s the move here? If Payton picks Stidham, Wilson has to pivot fast. He’s got to sell himself as a capable starter—or at least a high-end backup with upside. The problem? Teams aren’t exactly desperate for QBs like him. Even the squads that need help—Vegas, Minnesota, Washington—are more likely to draft a guy than take a shot on a former No. 2 pick who hasn’t lived up to the billing.
Wilson’s next few weeks could define his career. Either he finds a team willing to bet on him, or he drifts into the QB wilderness, joining the ranks of talented but forgotten passers. It’s not just about finding a new team—it’s about proving he still belongs. Because right now, the league isn’t convinced. And that’s a dangerous place for a quarterback to be.
If we keep free-agency at bay, Zach Wilson’s dad’s situation is concerning
Zach Wilson’s offseason was already uncertain, but now, football is the least of his worries.
The former No. 2 pick, now in Denver, didn’t take a single snap this season. Bo Nix stole the show… And with free agency looming, decisions about his career were supposed to be his biggest concern. But life had other plans.
On Feb. 28, Wilson’s mother, Lisa, shared some tough news. His father, Mike Wilson, is dealing with a liver issue. And the way she described it? It caught everyone off guard. “My big, strong, handsome husband… feels better than he ever has in his whole entire life… he’s getting a liver biopsy.” You could almost hear the disbelief in her voice. It’s the kind of thing that makes you stop and reassess everything.
The Wilsons didn’t even go looking for this. A routine blood test for general wellness flagged Mike’s liver enzymes as unusually high. “Everything else looked great, he looked really healthy, and he was healthier then,” Lisa explained. Doctors initially thought it could be fatty liver, but the follow-up tests told a different story. Now, they’re waiting for answers no one ever wants to wait for.
Fans didn’t hesitate to rally around Wilson and his family. The NFL world knows how brutal this game is, but real-life battles? They hit different. Lisa later posted a picture with Mike, her head resting on his shoulder, reminding everyone to cherish their loved ones. “Love your people every chance you get.” It’s the kind of message that sticks with you.
As for Zach, he hasn’t spoken publicly about his dad’s health—and honestly, he doesn’t have to. The guy’s juggling enough, with his football future up in the air and his family going through this. Right now, free agency can wait. The biggest thing on his mind isn’t playbooks or roster spots—it’s something way bigger than football.
The post Another Blow to Zach Wilson Amid Dad’s Hospitalization as Sean Payton Predicted to Pick Jarrett Stidham as Backup appeared first on EssentiallySports.