All the focus across the Jets proper now could be on when Aaron Rodgers will arrive because the Jets quarterback.
However there’s one other quarterback of their orbit whose future is nearly as fascinating: Zach Wilson.
What turns into of the 2021 No. 2 general decide?
Wilson was speculated to be the franchise quarterback the Jets had been trying to find till he flamed out in his second season.
Wilson’s failure is the explanation the Jets are trying to trade for Rodgers, however the Jets usually are not fully giving up on Wilson.
All you needed to do was hearken to Jets coach Robert Saleh earlier than the ultimate recreation of the season. It was extra than simply coach-speak.
He was committing to keeping Wilson on the roster.
“Zach has obtained all of the expertise on the earth, and we’ve all the boldness on the earth in him,” Saleh stated. “It’s similar to I’ve stated from this ‘reset,’ we’re going to grind with him, we’re.
“And thru hell or excessive water, we’re going to determine the right way to get him to the place we all know he will be.”
It’s powerful to say “hell or excessive water” after which dump him.
“Once more, we’re not wavering,” Saleh stated. “We imagine within the younger man, and the most important factor for Zach, it’s not his expertise. We wish to ensure that we reconnect with Zach and … regain his confidence in himself and us, and us in him, simply all of us. Simply to ensure that he’s again on observe, get his footwork down proper, get his mechanics proper, get his thoughts proper.
“So, it’s not a expertise factor for Zach, I don’t imagine that. I simply assume, like I stated, when it’s a reset, we’re going to work our tails off to assist him. We’re dedicated to him.”
All of this pointed to Wilson remaining with the staff. However there nonetheless was hypothesis he can be traded.
Let’s take a look at a number of the most urgent questions round Wilson:
Why is Wilson nonetheless on the roster?
I’m unsure I imagine all of what Saleh was spewing on the finish of the season.
They know Wilson appeared horrible final season, however the Jets didn’t have many choices. Who would commerce for Wilson after his dismal 2022 season? Nobody might view him as a possible starter, and groups don’t typically commerce for backup quarterbacks, particularly one you’re not even certain can be dependable.
Slicing Wilson would lead to a $20 million dead-money cost on the wage cap. He would depend $11 million extra on the cap if he was not on the staff than if he was on it. It’s the similar deal in 2024.
Is Wilson going to be Rodgers’ major backup this 12 months?
It seems that is going to be the case. The Jets haven’t added any veteran backup quarterbacks, and they let Mike White go to the Dolphins in free company for an inexpensive contract.
You’d assume if the Jets had reservations about Wilson being the No. 2, they’d have tried to persuade White to return.
It appears extra possible they may add a developmental quarterback within the draft or an undrafted free agent and roll with Wilson behind Rodgers.
It feels dangerous, however do not forget that a 12 months in the past, the Jets thought Wilson was going to be the reply. Having him now because the backup quarterback shouldn’t really feel like that a lot of a attain.
Will he profit from enjoying behind Rodgers?
I’m certain the Jets will push the Rodgers-as-mentor narrative all spring and summer season as soon as Rodgers will get right here. Coloration me skeptical.
Sure, Wilson idolized Rodgers, and that ought to make this a bit of simpler than if he have been getting pushed apart for Derek Carr or Jimmy Garoppolo.
However I don’t see Rodgers being the mentoring sort.
The Jets have led the league in quarterback mentors in my time across the Jets. I’ve actually solely seen one man who really embraced that position, and it was Josh McCown with Sam Darnold. McCown was enthusiastic about moving into teaching. I don’t see Rodgers placing on a headset when he’s accomplished enjoying.
What may gain advantage Wilson is that if Rodgers doesn’t come to OTAs or the commerce standoff continues by way of the spring. Wilson will get all of the first-team reps.
You must also anticipate to see quite a lot of Wilson within the preseason video games. Rodgers gained’t be enjoying in these. All of these reps ought to assist Wilson as he will get to know Nathaniel Hackett’s offense.
Do the Jets imagine he will be the starter once more in two years?
I’ve heard individuals say the Jets assume Wilson can return to the beginning job in two years. That is assuming Rodgers performs for 2 years with the Jets. He might retire after 2023.
It’s arduous to foretell how this may go, however I don’t see Wilson ever being the unquestioned quarterback of this staff once more.
If issues go badly with Rodgers this 12 months, Saleh and common supervisor Joe Douglas might get fired. Then you will have a brand new regime that has nothing invested in Wilson taking on and sure needs its personal man.
If it goes effectively with Rodgers this 12 months, however he retires, do the Jets draft a quarterback? Perhaps Wilson competes for the job.
Wilson’s contract runs by way of 2024. It appears extremely unlikely the Jets will train his fifth-year possibility for 2025. That call should be made by Might 2024. Which means Wilson can be a free agent in 2025. The concept that he can be able to take over then is flawed.
Once more, it’s arduous to know the way all of this may unfold, however it feels unlikely Wilson ever would be the No. 1 quarterback on the Jets once more.
13 methods to choose
The NFL Draft is a bit more than a month away. The Jets maintain the No. 13 general decide, the bottom their first decide has been since 2016, once they selected Darron Lee No. 20 general.
So, what can the Jets anticipate at 13? Having a look at latest historical past, anticipate an enormous man.
Listed below are the previous 5 No. 13 picks:
2022: DT Jordan Davis, Eagles
2021: OT Rashawn Slater, Chargers
2020: OT Tristan Wirfs, Bucs
2019: DT Christian Wilkins, Dolphins
2018: DT Daron Payne, Commanders
Discover a development? They’re all massive males. Davis (340 kilos), Slater (315), Wirfs (320), Wilkins (310) and Payne (320) all fill out their uniforms.
The Jets might proceed that development by taking an offensive sort out, a place they’ve been linked to in most of the early mock drafts.
By way of the most important hits at this place, don’t freak out if the Jets draft a good finish. Corridor of Famers Tony Gonzalez and Kellen Winslow every went No. 13 general. Franco Harris is one other Corridor of Famer taken on the spot.
The Jets have accomplished effectively at 13 — taking John Abraham in 2000 and Sheldon Richardson in 2013. Some latest stars taken at No. 13 are Aaron Donald, Laremy Tunsil and Brandon Graham.
There may be one unfortunate No. 13 for the Jets: The Dolphins took A.J. Duhe with the thirteenth decide within the 1977 draft.
Stat’s so
The Jets signed Allen Lazard, one of Rodgers’ favorite wide receivers. The 2 have linked for 19 landing passes. Solely six different gamers have caught extra touchdowns from Rodgers. Right here is the highest 10:
1. Davante Adams: 68 TDs
2. Jordy Nelson: 65 TDs
3. Randall Cobb: 45 TDs
4. James Jones: 41 TDs
5. Greg Jennings: 38 TDs
6. Donald Driver: 22 TDs
T-7. Jermichael Finley: 19 TDs
T-7. Allen Lazard: 19 TDs
T-9. Robert Tonyan: 17 TDs
T-9. Aaron Jones: 17 TDs
Supply: Professional Soccer Reference
