The Denver Broncos will probably release Russell Wilson soon and pursue a younger quarterback. Even though a former first-round pick is on the trading block, they’re not interested.

The New York Jets recently gave Zach Wilson — the second overall pick of the 2021 NFL Draft — permission to seek a trade. However, the Broncos aren’t targeting him, via Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic.

The 24-year-old has flashed some potential in his career, but he needs more time to develop and isn’t ready to uplift a team. He has completed 57 percent of his passes for 23 TDs, 25 interceptions and a below-average 73.2 passer rating in three seasons.

Rosenblatt added the Broncos might be interested in trading for Justin Fields (Chicago Bears) or Sam Howell (Washington Commanders); either is a better option.

Howell would be a decent fit in head coach Sean Payton’s offense. In 2023, the former fifth-rounder finished with more passing yards (3,946 in 17 games) than MVP Lamar Jackson (3,678 yards in 16 games). Per Fox Sports’ Ralph Vacchiano, the trade price for the 23-year-old is a “third-round pick, maybe more.” Denver should consider taking a flier.

The Broncos — who have the 12th overall pick in the draft — should still take a QB. They reportedly met with Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy on Tuesday night and interviewed Oregon’s Bo Nix and Washington’s Michael Penix Jr. on Wednesday.

Regardless, the team must find a star to salvage a downtrodden franchise. The Broncos posted their seventh straight losing season in 2023 and were 19th in the league in points scored per game (21).