A big reason that the New York Jets are in the position they are has been their failure to develop quarterback Zach Wilson. The No. 2 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft has been a mess since joining the team, failing to lead the team to any sustained success on the field.
Some of that is certainly on Wilson himself, but the franchise deserves some blame as well. But, with Trevor Siemian officially announced as the starter in Week 18 against the New England Patriots, Wilson’s 2023 campaign is coming to a close.
Not expected to play much, Wilson ended up starting 11 games and appearing in 12. The team named him the backup to Aaron Rodgers, who lasted only four snaps before injuring his Achilles and forcing Wilson back into the lineup.
NFL News & Rumors: Robert Saleh, Zach Wilson, New York Jets Updates
Everyone outside of the Jets knew that was a disaster waiting to happen and they were proven correct. Wilson struggled mightily, failing to elevate the team beyond the levels they were at last season.
More than likely, Wilson’s time in New York will come to an end this offseason. The Jets cannot go into 2024 with any chance of him having to be called upon to step onto the field again. There have been reports earlier in the season that when he was benched following Week 11 against the Buffalo Bills his time with the franchise was done.
Despite Wilson seemingly being on the way out, Jets head coach Robert Saleh continues to speak highly of him. Saleh believes that Wilson is still going to have a long career and provides a strange answer when asked if it will come in New York.
“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 year or career,” Saleh said.
NFL News & Rumors: Robert Saleh, Zach Wilson, New York Jets Updates
Saleh and the Jets just can’t quit Wilson. Despite numerous examples of him not being an NFL-caliber starting quarterback, Saleh speaks highly of him even when he isn’t part of the game plan for the week.
Parting ways is best for both parties as Wilson can try and get his career on track with a fresh start. The Jets need to find a better alternative behind Rodgers to protect against an injury as their contingency plan this season was a fireable offense.
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