The New York Jets missed the playoffs for the 13th straight season and now must spend the next few months trying to build a roster capable of ending their postseason drought. They thought four-time NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers would be able to get them over the hump following a massive trade, but a Week 1 Achilles injury forced the team to turn back to Zach Wilson.
Unfortunately, the former second-overall pick failed to show any notable improvement and the team hobbled to a 7-10 record. After three seasons, reports across the league indicate that the Jets are ready to cut bait with Zach Wilson, trade him to a new team, and look for someone else to be the primary backup for Aaron Rodgers.
“High Probability” New York Jets Trade Zach Wilson
Back in 2021, the New York Jets used the second-overall pick in the NFL Draft to select Zach Wilson. It’s safe to say that the Jets are not going to break even on that investment.
After looking like one of the worst quarterbacks in the game since entering the league, Zach Wilson has destroyed his trade value. However, that doesn’t mean that he won’t find a new team. At the end of the day, the quarterback still has impressive physical tools with the raw arm talent to reach any part of the field. If any organization believes there is even the slightest chance they can salvage his career, then they’ll probably risk sending over a late-round pick.
According to ESPN’s Rich Cimini, Zach Wilson could fetch a Day 3 pick between the fifth and seventh rounds in a trade. At this point in the NFL Draft, all the safe prospects are gone, so if a team needing a high-upside backup quarterback comes knocking, the Jets will likely pull the trigger and send Wilson off for whatever they can get. In no particular order, these five teams make the most sense as potential destinations.
Possible Trade Destinations
Los Angeles Rams
Matthew Stafford is still one of the better starting quarterbacks in the league when healthy, but the Super Bowl champion is entering his age-36 season and has an extensive injury history. Sean McVay’s squad made the playoffs last year, but they won’t be able to get back with Dresser Winn under center. McVay is one of the best offensive minds in the game, so perhaps the Rams decide to trade for Zach Wilson and see if they can get something out of the former first-round pick.
Minnesota Vikings
Kirk Cousins is on a collision course with free agency, and the Vikings will be in serious trouble if they cannot re-sign him. Zach Wilson cannot be Plan A for this team, but a trade would make sense as an emergency option. Assuming the Vikings can’t trade up into the top three, they could sign a low-ceiling bridge quarterback like Jacoby Brissett and keep Wilson as a high-ceiling backup.
Kansas City Chiefs
Patrick Mahomes is the best quarterback in football, but Blaine Gabbert is not. Historically speaking, the Chiefs have preferred to roster an experienced veteran backup who could keep the ship afloat if Mahomes had to miss a week or two. Perhaps they continue to not try and fix what isn’t broken, or perhaps they shake it up and pull off a low-stakes trade for Zach Wilson. After all, the athletic gifts are there, and if there’s anyone in the world who can fix Wilson, it’s Andy Reid.
Los Angeles Chargers
The Los Angeles Chargers crashed and burned without Justin Herbert last year. Even with Jim Harbaugh replacing Brandon Staley, it’s safe to say that Easton Stick is not a capable backup. With limited cap space, the Chargers might decide to trade for Zach Wilson and incorporate him as a high-ceiling backup. Harbaugh helped save Alex Smith’s career back in 2011, so maybe he can do the same with Wilson in 2024.
New Orleans Saints
The New Orleans Saints are stuck with Derek Carr and his massive contract for one more season, and longtime backup quarterback Jameis Winston is going to be a free agent. The team doesn’t have the resources to invest heavily in a quarterback of the future, so they might be interested in a Zach Wilson trade. Carr is only as good as the players around him, but Wilson has the potential to be a much better quarterback. While he’ll probably never live up to that promise, there is a good chance he’ll be cheaper than Winston.
Main Photo: Jasen Vinlove – USA Today Sports
