Getty Image
It’s only a matter of time now until Zach Wilson is a former member of the New York Jets as all signs point to the organization trading him during the upcoming offseason (general manager Joe Douglas recently told the media, for example, that there’s a “high probability” that the Jets have a new backup QB next season).
Not only has it become clear that Wilson is not the franchise quarterback the Jets thought he’d be, but Wilson’s career also needs a fresh start free from the toxicity of Gang Green and Aaron Rodgers, who reportedly ghosted the young QB after tearing his Achilles.
Unfortunately for the Jets, though, given Wilson’s largely poor play during his NFL career, they aren’t expected to get much of a return on their investment, as Rich Cimini of ESPN says that the expectation is the Jets will receive a 6th or 7th round pick in return for the 24-year-old signal caller.
Cimini also speculated that a swap of middle-round picks could be a potential avenue for the Jets.
“Perhaps a team out there felt stronger about him pre-draft, and that could influence how they value him,” one personnel executive said.
“(Otherwise), maybe they could ask for something on Day 3 — a mid-Day 3” — meaning a pick in the fifth/sixth-round range. The scout said the Jets could get a seventh-round pick “if they’re lucky.” One of the assistant coaches said, “I’d give up a two-week stay at a Best Western. I’m not a fan.” [via ESPN]
The Jets, of course, drafted Wilson with the second overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, which not only makes him one of the great draft busts in franchise history but in the history of the National Football League as a whole.
During his three seasons in New York, Wilson started in 34 games (34 starts) and compiled a 12-21 record. In those 34 games, Wilson completed 57% of his passes for 6,293 yards, 23 touchdowns, and 25 interceptions. He also carried the ball 93 times for 498 yards and 5 touchdowns.