Several quarterbacks, including recent first-round picks like Justin Fields and Kenny Pickett, have been traded this offseason. But not Zach Wilson.
The New York Jets have already signed a replacement for the No. 2 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, inking Tyrod Taylor to a two-year, $12 million contract. Taylor, a former Pro Bowl quarterback, will back up Aaron Rodgers next season, and possibly again in 2025 too.
But Wilson? His contract is set to expire after the 2024 season concludes, and his $11.1 cap figure ($5.5M guaranteed) next season isn’t exactly welcoming for a player who hasn’t proven to be a capable starter yet.
In fact, it sounds like Wilson’s salary is the major issue preventing a trade so far.
“Wilson has permission to speak to teams about a trade, but his salary (a guaranteed $5.5 million) is a deterrent, not to mention his checkered body of work. He’s probably hoping for his release, so he can find a job with no strings attached. It’ll be interesting to see how long the Jets hold out hope for a trade.”
ESPN’s Rich Cimini on Zach Wilson’s “dwindling” trade market
Several teams could have turned to a Wilson trade this offseason, but some seemingly opted to sign free agents instead, allowing them to pick their own contract terms while retaining all their draft capital. The Jets will eventually find a taker for the QB who turns 25 this season, but it may not happen until the NFL Draft arrives.
With the Denver Broncos and Las Vegas Raiders still looking to add at least one more quarterback to the depth chart, it’s possible they emerge as an eventual landing spot for Wilson. Yet, like the rest of the league, they likely want to avoid resorting to that backup plan too.
Related: 2024 NFL mock draft: Broncos, Vikings get QBs, projecting J.J. McCarthy’s landing spot