Peyton Manning believes a change of scenery can help revive Zach Wilson’s NFL career.
The New York Jets traded Wilson to Manning’s former team, the Denver Broncos, following three disappointing seasons. During a radio interview with Denver Sports‘ Josh Dover and Brandon Stokley, the Hall of Fame quarterback said a “reboot” will benefit the former No. 2 pick.
“I think it’s a great chapter two for Zach,” Manning said. “He will get coached hard here by Sean Payton and their staff, which is important for young quarterbacks to be coached hard. He’s obviously very talented.”
Denver sent the No. 203 pick in this week’s draft to New York for Wilson and the No. 256 selection. Manning said he contacted the 24-year-old quarterback after the trade.
“I’ve never met Zach, but I got his number from the Broncos and reached out to him and welcomed him to Denver and was excited with this new chapter,” Manning said. “He sounds excited to be here, so hopefully it’ll be a good fit.”
Wilson played for two offensive coordinators (Mike LaFleur and Nathaniel Hackett) in three years with Gang Green. Manning, who enjoyed more coaching stability during his career, suggested the change hindered his development.
“The best way to really screw a young quarterback up is to change coordinators on him every single year, and it drives me crazy,” Manning said. “Look, I was very fortunate. I had an old-school coach named Tom Moore who was the coordinator the entire time I was there in Indianapolis.”
Even after throwing eight touchdowns in 12 games last season, Wilson may have a chance to earn Denver’s starting job in 2024. The Broncos haven’t made the playoffs since winning the Super Bowl in Manning’s final season eight years ago.