Jets letting Wilson shop
The 2021 No. 2 overall pick did not live up to expectations in New York
The Jets are letting Wilson shop a trade out of New York, Jets general manager Joe Douglas told reporters Wednesday.
“Where we are exactly, we’ve given them permission to talk to other teams about a trade,” Douglas said at the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis. “I’m going to circle back with [Wilson’s agent] at some point. Either this week or next week, just to see how those conversations are going. But other than that, there’s nothing else to report.”
Unrealized potential
Wilson, who was drafted as the second overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, did not perform as well as expected during his three seasons with the New York team. He had lost his starting position multiple times. He also holds the dubious distinction of being the first quarterback in the Super Bowl era to have the NFL’s lowest passer rating in consecutive seasons.
During his time with the team, Wilson had a 57% completion percentage, threw 23 touchdowns and 25 interceptions, and was sacked 113 times. The Jets had a record of 12-21 while he was their starting quarterback. Wilson’s rookie contract will end after the upcoming season. He is set to receive a guaranteed salary of $5.45 million. That is in addition to a roster bonus of almost $4.4 million, according to OverTheCap.com. Although trades cannot be finalized until March 13, teams can agree to deals beforehand.
Zach Wilson on the trade block https://t.co/WP78ZKO2v5 pic.twitter.com/L8Uysd1Bi5
— Simpsons NFL (@TheSimpsonsNFL) February 28, 2024
The writing was on the wall
After the 2023 season, the New York Jets’ head coach, Robert Saleh, and team owner, Woody Johnson, didn’t seem very pleased with their quarterback, Wilson. This was after he was benched following an injury to Aaron Rodgers. When asked if Wilson had a future with the team, Saleh only responded with “We’ll see”.
Johnson went further and criticized the offense, specifically mentioning Wilson’s position in the team. Johnson believed that the team needed a backup quarterback, which they didn’t have last year. The team’s general manager, Douglas, highlighted the importance of finding a quality backup for Rodgers during the offseason.
He mentioned that they have evaluated the available players and are ready to take the next step and see where the market is for backup quarterbacks. Wilson, who is set to turn 25 in August, will now have the opportunity to restart his career elsewhere. Presumably without the pressure of being expected to meet the standards of a No. 2 overall draft pick.
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