When the New York Jets took Zach Wilson with the No. 2 pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, they hoped he would become their quarterback of the future.
But he has failed to pan out through two pro seasons, which is part of what led to them trading for future Hall-of-Fame signal-caller Aaron Rodgers this spring.
Still, New York will need a reliable backup behind the 39-year-old Rodgers, as well as an option for the future.
According to Jets insider Rich Cimini, Wilson has looked decent during OTAs lately.
Non-Rodgers takeaways from #Jets:
* Nice day for Zach Wilson, who ran the first-team offense in 11 x 11. Went 5-for-5 in only 11 x 11 period, mostly short stuff. Went 6-for-8 in 7 x 7, including 2-for-4 in red zone. Overall, seemed comfortable. Lots of checkdowns.
cont..— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) June 6, 2023
Wilson had a stellar junior season at Brigham Young University, throwing for 3,692 yards and 33 touchdowns while adding 10 touchdowns on the ground and being named the offensive MVP of the Boca Raton Bowl.
But as a rookie in 2021, he completed just 55.6 percent of his passes and threw more interceptions (11) than touchdown passes (nine), and he didn’t do much better last season.
If Rodgers’ Jets tenure is short, much like another former Green Bay Packers quarterback named Brett Favre, the team will find itself needing a quarterback perhaps as soon as the spring of 2025.
But in the meantime, New York has legitimate Super Bowl hopes for the first time in anyone’s memory.
They last went to the AFC Championship Game in 2010, but back then, they weren’t universally considered an elite team, as their offense was rather mediocre.
But now, they have a very strong defense, as well as a promising offense led by wide receiver Garrett Wilson, the reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year.
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