The New York Jets have officially announced that quarterback Zach Wilson’s third season with the team has come to an end. The former No. 2 overall pick remains in concussion protocol and will be sidelined for the third consecutive game, which also happens to be the season finale against the New England Patriots. This development has left many wondering about Wilson’s future with the Jets, as the team seems ready to explore other options.
Despite having Wilson under contract for the 2024 season, the Jets have hinted at their intention to find a new backup for Aaron Rodgers in the upcoming offseason. When asked about Wilson’s future with the team, Jets coach Robert Saleh was non-committal, stating, “We’ll see. It’s all things that we’re going to have to 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.”
It was widely believed that the Jets had found their long-awaited solution to their quarterback problem when they selected Wilson with the No. 2 overall pick. However, the BYU standout had a tumultuous tenure as a starter, struggling to find his footing and failing to meet expectations. Last offseason, he was replaced by Aaron Rodgers, derailing the team’s original plan of having Wilson learn and grow under Rodgers’ guidance.
Wilson’s promising journey took a drastic turn on the fourth play of the season opener when Rodgers suffered a season-ending Achilles injury. Suddenly thrust into the spotlight, Wilson had to adapt on the fly and navigate the complexities of being an NFL starting quarterback. Despite showing improvement from his rookie year, circumstances beyond his control hindered his development, leading to his eventual benching in Week 12.
With the Jets facing an uncertain future with Wilson, there have been speculations of a possible trade in the offseason. The team could aim to recoup a late-round draft pick while shedding Wilson’s $5.5 million salary and bonuses for the 2024 season. Furthermore, the Jets are expected to decline Wilson’s fifth-year option for 2025, further indicating their willingness to move on from him.
Wilson’s statistics and on-field performances tell a convoluted tale. Finishing the season with a record of 4-7 as a starter, he threw for eight touchdowns and seven interceptions. His performance was lackluster, ranking last among qualified passers with a dismal 30.4 Total QBR. However, Wilson encountered numerous challenges, including an unstable offensive line and a receiving corps lacking weapons. Despite these adversities, he managed to deliver one standout performance, throwing for 301 yards and two touchdowns in a demolishing victory against the Houston Texans.
Unfortunately, Wilson’s season took another unpredictable turn when he sustained a concussion during a game against the Miami Dolphins. Since then, he has been absent from the field and has not addressed the media. During this time, his mother, Lisa Wilson, revealed that he experienced blurred vision and depth-perception issues. Wilson’s absence and silence have cast a shadow of doubt over his future.
In the end, Zach Wilson’s journey with the New York Jets has been marked by uncertainty, unfulfilled potential, and missed opportunities. While he has shown glimpses of promise, his struggles as a starter and the team’s lackluster performance have left his future in doubt. The Jets’ upcoming decisions will shape the trajectory of Wilson’s career, leaving fans and analysts eager to see what lies ahead for the talented young quarterback.
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