Who Should I Start? Desmond Ridder or Garrett Wilson

Tuesday, May 6, 11:29 PM

Free-agent quarterback Desmond Ridder will receive a tryout for the Denver Broncos during their rookie minicamp this weekend, a source tells 9 News' Mike Klis. The former University of Cincinnati product was drafted in the third round in 2022 by the Atlanta Falcons and started 13 games in 2023. The 25-year-old was way too inconsistent and injury-prone, though, with the Falcons moving on after just two seasons. He appeared in six games (one start) for the Las Vegas Raiders last year and completed 61.2% of his 85 pass attempts for 458 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions. Former first-rounder Bo Nix is Denver's unquestioned starter after a strong rookie season in which he led the Broncos to the playoffs, and Jarrett Stidham will return as his backup. If Ridder is signed, he'd compete with Sam Ehlinger for the No. 3 job in the QB room.

Monday, April 21, 6:19 PM

The New York Jets are picking up the fifth-year option on wide receiver Garrett Wilson, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. It will cost the Jets $16.8 million for the 2026 season. The 24-year-old former first-rounder (10th overall) out of Ohio State could work out a long-term contract extension this offseason that would make his fifth-year option basically a mute point, though. Despite dealing with inconsistent quarterback play in his three years in the NFL, Wilson has been productive with three straight 1,000-yard receiving seasons and 14 touchdowns on 279 catches (469 targets) in 51 games played (46 starts). Even though there are questions about how much the Jets will throw the ball with dual-threat QB Justin Fields now in town, Wilson has excellent chemistry with Fields from their days at Ohio State and should be heavily targeted as the unquestioned WR1 in 2025.