As the NFL Draft approaches, the New York Jets find themselves at a crossroads with quarterback Zach Wilson. General Manager Joe Douglas has openly communicated the team’s willingness to part ways with Wilson, indicating that had there been any substantial offers for him this offseason, he likely would not be on the roster today.
This candid revelation sets the stage for a crucial decision about Wilson’s future with the team.
Jets beat reporter Brian Costello of the New York Post elaborates on the precarious position Wilson occupies within the organization.
Wilson is less of a distraction and more of an irritant—a minor yet persistent issue akin to a “hangnail.” The reporter speculates on the potential escalation of this situation, particularly if Wilson or his representatives intensify their efforts to secure a release or trade.
“At some point, this could develop into more than just an annoyance,” Costello observes. He questions the prudence of having Wilson return as the third-string quarterback, suggesting that such a scenario would overshadow other team developments, including the return of Aaron Rodgers from injury.
Complicated Dynamics Between Zach Wilson and Aaron Rodgers
The dynamics within the Jets’ quarterback room further complicate Wilson’s situation. His relationship with veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers has reportedly deteriorated, following Rodgers’ season-disrupting Achilles injury. This friction is crucial because it underscores the team’s reluctance to maintain a potentially discordant atmosphere, especially with Rodgers’ recovery and return to play.
Financial and Strategic Considerations
Zach Wilson, Gardner Minshew, Justin Herbert in my division pic.twitter.com/1hEMLtwQCT
— Jyair❄️ (@CantCookJyair) April 22, 2024
The financial implications of retaining Wilson are also significant. He is due a $4.4 million roster bonus at the start of training camp, a hefty sum for a player whose role on the team is increasingly uncertain.
Meanwhile, Jets owner Woody Johnson has publicly stated that the team would not release Wilson if a trade could not be arranged. However, NFL analyst and former quarterback Boomer Esiason has hinted that Johnson’s statement might be a strategic misdirection.
A Likely Inevitable Split
Costello’s stark conclusion on Friday underscored the growing divide:
“I think it’s pretty clear that Wilson no longer wants to be in Florham Park and the Jets no longer want him in Florham Park,” he stated, suggesting that if a trade does not materialize soon, it may be time for both parties to move on.
This sentiment was echoed as speculation about Wilson’s next destination swirled, with the Denver Broncos emerging as a potential, albeit unlikely, landing spot due to their own draft ambitions and quarterback strategies.
The Broader Implications for Zach Wilson
Wilson’s performance metrics, notably finishing last in the NFL with a 30.6 adjusted QBR for the 2023 regular season, paint a grim picture of his current standing in the league. This statistic, combined with his strained relations with the Jets, renders him a difficult player to trade, except as a last resort for teams desperate for additional quarterbacks due to unforeseen circumstances.
Source: Yardbarker
