DENVER — The first step in Zach Wilson’s career rebuild is nearly complete. Denver Broncos coach Sean Payton said Wilson is one of three quarterbacks who will make the roster after the roster is cut to 53 players.

The news comes after Wilson helped Denver to a 38-12 win over the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday in their final pre-season game.

Wilson said he is “grateful” to have come to the Broncos and that he “loves it here.” League-wide rosters must be narrowed down to 53 players by 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday.

The Broncos acquired Wilson in a trade with the New York Jets just prior to the draft in April after the former No. 2 overall pick had a tumultuous three seasons with the Jets. Wilson saw the most playing time Sunday against the Cardinals, as the team’s starter, rookie Bo Nix, was not in uniform. Fellow backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham played only the opening possession.

Wilson finished 16 of 25 passing for 251 yards with two touchdowns, 22 yards rushing and another touchdown. Asked about the extended playing time on Sunday, easily his most of the preseason, Wilson said he’s growing more comfortable with the Broncos’ offense.

“I can’t think of a game in my career where I feel like we’re in a rhythm (like Sunday),” Wilson said. “Even if you go three and get stopped here and there (with the Broncos), you feel like you’re going to put something together. It feels good to feel that as an offense. One bad play happens and you expect the next play to be good.”

Wilson was in what was initially a three-way competition for the Broncos’ starting quarterback position during the offseason and the first week of training camp. But beginning in the second week of training camp, it was Nix and Stidham who were battling for the starting job, splitting the workload with the starters until Payton named Nix the starter last week.

However, Wilson has said he feels he has rediscovered parts of his game and Payton has consistently maintained that there is a place for Wilson on the roster because of Wilson’s potential and “arm talent.” Payton said after Sunday’s game that Nix, Stidham and Wilson will all be on the roster after the team makes the move.

“We have enough money to … I understand the question,” Payton said Sunday when asked if all three would fit within the team’s salary cap. “We’re comfortable with those three quarterbacks. I think I’ve told you I see all three of them making it.”

Of Wilson’s play against the Cardinals, Payton added: “Look, he made some impressive throws. … He’s got a strong arm on the field, I thought he threw it away when he wasn’t there. … (He) had enough time on the play clock, to get in and out of plays when he needed to. It’s the best part of the last two and a half weeks (that he’s played well).”

Payton said during practice last week that Wilson was “kind of hitting his stride.”

Since arriving in Denver, Wilson has said he hopes to smooth out the rough edges of his time with the Jets. He had a 12-21 record in his 33 career starts in New York, failed to complete at least 56 percent of his passes in two of three seasons and had 23 total touchdown passes against 25 interceptions.

On Sunday, whether the final practice game of the season goes ahead or not, Wilson said it was important for him to play without mistakes, and that the Broncos’ offense had no false starts, delays of play or procedural penalties.

“I feel like I’ve played enough to avoid those issues,” Wilson said. “Just the surgery, getting the ball out of my hands, just playing quarterback the way I’m supposed to, putting our team in the best position possible.”

Wilson said that as the Broncos’ quarterback, he has played the most starters in the NFL and is happy to help Nix through tough times if he can.

“We all want to play, we all want to be on the team,” Wilson said. “We all want to do the best we can, but we all understand each other’s side, so we all support each other. I want them all to do the best they can. … If I can help (Nix) in any way … I will.

“I was excited for him, I don’t think it was a surprise to a lot of people. … (But) I told him I was excited for him. I really believe they’re putting him in a good situation.”