Zach Wilson: A Strong Candidate to Replace Brock Purdy

The San Francisco 49ers are entering a pivotal offseason in which they have to figure out their quarterback position. Brock Purdy is going to be on an expiring contract and the 49ers can’t have another below-average season like they did this year with a contending roster. That is why signing a high-upside quarterback like Zach Wilson in free agency could be in play.

After spending three years on the New York Jets, Wilson was traded to the Broncos this past offseason. It was clear that Wilson wasn’t working out on the Jets, but his issues weren’t because of his skill, but instead the Jets scheme. On the Jets, Wilson threw for 6,293 yards with 23 touchdowns but 25 interceptions. The touchdown-interception ratio is not fantastic, but in reality he actually had a 69.9% adjusted completion percentage compared to his actual 57% completion rate due to his receivers dropping or tipping passes.

During the preseason for the Broncos, Wilson looked much improved in a better scheme. He completed 63.6% of his passes for 397 yards and three touchdowns with no interceptions. Wilson showed better composure, made better reads, and looked more confident.

Wilson needed to be with an offensive mind to unlock his full talents, and Shanahan would be able to further. In a talented offense with Brandon Aiyuk, and Deebo Samuel, and possibly another top wide receiver in Ricky Pearsall, Wilson would be able to command the offense, and provide more upside to San Francisco’s offense with his rushing ability.