We didn’t get to see how it worked out in 2023, but Aaron Rodgers will be the New York Jets’ quarterback next season. Zach Wilson’s roster status? That’s an entirely different story for the former No. 2 overall pick, who will be 25 when the 2024 season starts.
Despite being expected to watch from the sidelines, learning from a four-time NFL MVP, Wilson ended up playing in 12 games, starting 11 for the Jets this season. Yet, now Wilson’s campaign is over after suffering a concussion on Dec. 17.
Next year, Wilson will be in the final year of his rookie contract, with a cap hit of $11 million, which is a bit larger than the typical rate for a backup QB. There’s no question Rodgers is the starter in 2024. After that? It’s anyone’s guess.
But what about Wilson? Wasn’t the plan to have him be the heir apparent to his idol? That may no longer be the case.
On Wednesday, Jets coach Robert Saleh addressed Wilson’s future while throwing his full support behind the former first-round pick. Yet, his comments also suggest the Jets could try and move on from the QB this offseason.
“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.
New York Jets coach Robert Saleh on Zach Wilson
As we saw this season, the Jets don’t have a high-level backup QB on the roster, and it cost them a chance at reaching the postseason. We know Rodgers is returning, but there are no other Jets QBs under contract heading into the offseason, aside from Wilson. This means, if the Jets do move on from their former top pick, they’ll have to come up with an even better backup plan over the next few months.
And, if Wilson is set to have a “hell of a year or career,” why not just stick with him? It’s hard to imagine any team being willing to offer anything too tantalizing for the only other QB on the Jets roster once the offseason begins.
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