Several big-name quarterbacks have switched teams since the start of the 2024 league year, and another will probably join the list in a few weeks. New York Jets quarterback Zach Wilson has been the subject of trade talks for the better part of two seasons. Selected with the second-overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, the BYU product immediately earned the starting job as a rookie. Unfortunately, he struggled through his first two years and became the backup following the Aaron Rodgers trade.
Wilson was supposed to spend the year learning behind the four-time MVP, but that plan blew up four snaps into the season. Rodgers tore his Achilles, forcing the former second-overall pick to jump back into action. Wilson was not up for the challenge, completing just 60.1% of his passes for 2,271 yards, eight touchdowns, and seven interceptions in 12 games. Following a third failed campaign, the New York Jets signed Tyrod Taylor to be the backup quarterback, heavily implying the team would trade Zach Wilson.
According to Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio, the New York Jets have received some trade offers for Zach Wilson. The report goes on to note that the Jets are not interested in the current underwhelming offers, and owner Woody Johnson recently said that the Jets will keep Wilson if they can’t find an adequate trade partner.
Woody Johnson on Zach Wilson & trading him: #Jets
"I feel badly about Zach in some ways, because last year would've been the 1st time he could just sit back & watch a master at work, & he's never had that. He's been in the fire from day one, & I think that's what he needs. He… pic.twitter.com/RUzdnu6SYb
— Harrison Glaser (@NYJetsTFMedia) March 25, 2024
Zach Wilson Trade Talks Heating Up Ahead of NFL Draft
While Zach Wilson trade offers could be out there, it’s hard to see any team offering more than a seventh-round pick swap. Mac Jones and Justin Fields both received pitiful returns on the trade market, and Wilson has played worse than both quarterbacks since entering the NFL. Add in the fact that Wilson has a $5.45 million guarantee, and it’s hard to see how Wilson could generate any interest on the open market.
One way or another, the Jets are going to try and trade Zach Wilson. Chances are, Johnson’s comments are nothing more than a last-ditch effort to try and increase a team’s offer. Whether it works or not is yet to be determined, but these three teams could be willing to gamble on the former second-round pick.
Possible Destinations
Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs are one of the few teams that do not have their backup quarterback situation in check. After riding with Blaine Gabbert last year, the team has yet to re-sign the free agent quarterback. Seeing as Gabbert definitely won’t break the bank, it’s safe to say the team is looking to move on. No other quarterback in the league could save this team if Patrick Mahomes suffers a season-ending injury, but the team could use someone capable of going 2-2 if the two-time NFL MVP has to miss a month of action. Zach Wilson could be an intriguing trade target, as his mobility means Kansas City won’t need to dramatically change their playbook if the former Jets has to fill in for a bit.
Green Bay Packers
If any team knows how to develop quarterbacks, it’s the Green Bay Packers. Jordan Love appears to be the heir apparent to Aaron Rodgers, but they need a backup in case of injury. Zach Wilson has plenty of talent, and the Packers might be willing to make a low-risk trade for the veteran. If they’re lucky, they’ll get one year of a solid backup before watching his leave for a decent compensatory selection.
Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers brought back Easton Stick, but they should consider adding some competition for the backup spot. Stick has a limited ceiling, and Zach Wilson could offer some upside in a trade. Jim Harbaugh helped save Alex Smith’s career back in 2011, so maybe he can do the same for Wilson now.
Main Photo: Jasen Vinlove – USA Today Sports
