Zach Wilson was anticipated to have a “reset year” with the Jets in the previous season, but after just five games, he found himself leading yet another underperforming offense. The plan was for Wilson to observe and learn from Aaron Rodgers, aiming to steer him back on track and unlock his full potential. However, Rodgers’ season-ending injury dashed those hopes.
Although Wilson’s rookie contract extends for another year, it might be in the best interest of both the team and the player to part ways.
So, should Wilson remain with the Jets?
Arguments for Wilson’s return:
The Jets’ decision to retain Wilson hinges on their assessment of his ability to fulfill the potential they saw in him when they drafted him in 2021. Despite a challenging season that led to multiple benchings, some within the organization may attribute Wilson’s struggles to the adverse conditions he faced, such as an injured offensive line and subpar receivers.
Wilson showcased glimpses of his potential in certain games, notably against the Houston Texans and Kansas City Chiefs. Perhaps with a stronger supporting cast, he could deliver such performances more consistently. Retaining him might signal to potential players outside the club that the Jets stand by their draft picks, fostering a positive image for the team.
Additionally, the Jets may prefer to trade Wilson to avoid paying his guaranteed contract. Releasing him without a trade partner would result in financial losses, as they would still owe him money. Holding onto him until a suitable trade offer arises could be a strategic move.
Reasons against Wilson’s return:
Wilson’s struggles in the 2023 season led to his benching on multiple occasions, and the Jets lost winnable games due to low-scoring performances. Had Wilson not been part of the team, the Jets might have opted for a more experienced backup quarterback sooner, potentially altering the outcome of certain games and boosting their playoff prospects.
While some attribute Wilson’s difficulties to the team’s shortcomings, it’s arguable that he exacerbated his own challenges by failing to read defenses effectively, properly adjust protections, and make timely decisions.
The Jets have hinted at adding a seasoned veteran to the starting quarterback position, indicating a reduced role for Wilson. They may seek to offload Wilson’s salary to free up cap space, potentially offering incentives to trade partners or absorbing a portion of his contract cost.
Conclusion:
Wilson is losing support from both the organization and the fan base, with indications suggesting that he is not part of the Jets’ future plans. Head coach Robert Saleh’s lukewarm assessment of Wilson during the season-ending news conference underscores this sentiment. Whether this decision proves wise remains to be seen.
