Zach Wilson‘s tumultuous, and ultimately disappointing tenure with the Jets might soon reach its conclusion.
In fact, he might have already played his last game in New York. The quarterback remains in concussion protocol and has been ruled out of the Jets’ regular-season finale on Sunday against the New England Patriots, bringing a quiet end to his 2023 season.
When asked about the future of the former No. 2 overall pick in New York, Jets head coach Robert Saleh did not commit to including Wilson.
“We’ll see,” Saleh said, via ESPN. “It’s all things that we’re going to have talk about once the season’s over, but whether it’s here or somewhere else, I believe he’s going to have a hell of a career.”
Riding the unstoppable wave of a stellar pre-draft process, Wilson arrived as the anointed face of New York’s future when the Jets chose him one pick after Jacksonville selected Trevor Lawrence atop the draft in 2021. Wilson quickly learned how wide the gap is between collegiate and pro football, though, struggling mightily in two seasons, including a second campaign in which he was benched multiple times.
Recognizing quarterback was the club’s biggest need entering 2023, the Jets made an aggressive push to acquire Aaron Rodgers, seemingly solving their problem under center. But Rodgers’ first season in New York ended after just four plays due to a torn Achilles, forcing Wilson back onto the field in a year in which the Jets expected him to sit behind and learn from Rodgers.
The results certainly weren’t inspiring. While Wilson showed brief flashes of potential, posted a 4-7 record as a starter and lit up the Houston Texans in a 30-6 win in Week 14 en route to AFC Offensive Player of the Week honors, it became painfully obvious he hadn’t progressed enough to be considered a viable starting candidate in 2024.
Saleh expressed on Wednesday their initial plan was to give him a year to observe Aaron’s football gameplay and progressively learn from it. He described it as unfortunate that things went awry just four plays in. Nevertheless, Saleh believes substantial improvements have been made since a year ago despite the unfortunate chain of events.
The disappointing outcomes were not solely Wilson’s responsibility. New York’s offensive line has performed poorly in 2023, largely due to injuries. Although the Jets have a tough defense, their anticipated revival didn’t occur. This could potentially lead to Wilson’s exit.
The Jets can attempt to trade Wilson in a situation similar to Baker Mayfield‘s exit from Cleveland in 2022, likely recouping nothing more than a late-round pick from a club willing to take a flier on the BYU product. In this scenario, Wilson might receive an opportunity to prove Saleh right while also enjoying a much-needed fresh start away from the bright lights of New York.
Mayfield has enjoyed quite a renaissance traveling this path, finding a new home in Tampa, where he has the chance to lead the Buccaneers to the playoffs this Sunday. Judging by the confidence of his coach and teammate, Trevor Siemian, Wilson could have a similar experience.
“Siemian said, “He possesses all the qualities that one needs for long-term success, and then some. He has that additional unique factor that many lack.”
At this juncture, nothing is guaranteed. New York might not find a trading partner and could end up retaining Wilson in 2024. However, current indications suggest a potential separation between the two parties, which could potentially be a positive outcome.
