Zach Wilson may well be the latest in a long line of first-round quarterback busts, but there is still a glimmer of hope for the 2021 No. 2 overall pick.

His nightmare tenure in New York, which saw him go 12-21 as a starter and toss more interceptions than touchdowns over the last three seasons, mercifully concluded when the Jets traded him to the Denver Broncos on April 23.

It’s an ideal landing spot for Wilson, a place where he’ll have a fair opportunity to rehab his downtrodden career.

If Wilson is ever going to realize the potential that made him such a lofty pick three years ago, it’s likely going to be under Sean Payton.

The Broncos head coach won a Super Bowl and was a perennial contender during his time with the New Orleans Saints largely due to his potent offensive system and partnership with future Hall of Fame quarterback Drew Brees.

While Wilson isn’t the second coming of Brees by any stretch of the imagination, it’s possible Payton will be able wring the most out of the signal-caller after his talents were mismanaged by Gang Green. The coach notably maximized Brees’ abilities following his polarizing tenure with the San Diego Chargers and helped the prolific passer earn 12 of his 13 career Pro Bowl nods.

Wilson should get a fair shot to earn the QB1 role in 2024, even after the Broncos wound up nabbing a potential franchise quarterback in Bo Nix just days after acquiring him.

History appears to be on Wilson’s side, as Payton has rarely deployed rookies under center during his head coaching career. Prior to selecting Nix at No. 12 overall this year, he had drafted just four signal-callers in total—and none in the first round—and gave only one (Ian Book in 2015) a start during their first season.

The competition between Wilson, Nix and journeyman Jarrett Stidham for the starting job projects to be fierce.

If Wilson emerges from this three-way battle as Payton’s top choice, the 24-year-old likely displayed enough skill and growth to run an effective NFL offense. While he may never live up to his No. 2 overall billing, he should prove he’s no bust with a strong showing in Denver.