The New York Jets decided to rely on Zach Wilson when their highly-touted quarterback Aaron Rodgers tore his Achilles in his debut match. Except for a consecutive three-game winning streak in October, Gang Green’s journey with Zach has been terrible in the 2023 NFL season.
Even a recent rumor said the signal-caller has been reluctant to be a starter once again on the Jets roster, although he has vehemently denied the rumor lately. The team once again decided to bank on the QB after snatching away the starting role from him. Meanwhile, a new rumor about Wilson’s trade hit the headlines lately, and head coach Robert Saleh ignited the speculation by being tight-lipped about it.
Saleh mum on Wilson trade rumors
Speculations surrounding Zach Wilson’s future with the Jets have recently ignited a whirlwind of rumors and uncertainty amid their lackluster season. Reports from sources close to the situation, as revealed by the Deseret News, revealed the QB has been informed of an impending trade post this season.
This news came in the wake of his third benching within 13 months, especially where Gang Green struggled, tallying a 4-6 record and grappling with a mere 14-point average per game.
However, Wilson’s recent performance against the Houston Texans showcased glimpses of his potential, aligning more closely with the scouting report from his BYU days. Following the impressive performance of the signal-caller, Saleh was questioned about the recent trade discussion of the young star. The HC neither confirmed nor denied the report, saying he doesn’t want to disclose any information from conversations he has had with the players.
Saleh wouldn't confirm or deny a report over the weekend from the @desnewssports (Zach Wilson's hometown newspaper) that Wilson was told by the #Jets that he'd be traded after the season. Saleh says he won't discuss private conversations with players. #Jets
— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) December 11, 2023
Another reporter asked the Jets coach if Wilson had been included in the team’s discussions of the upcoming season. He left the door slightly ajar by hinting at the unpredictability inherent in the sports world. However, Saleh also emphasized a week-to-week approach while urging Wilson to focus on presenting his best self on the field.
“Anything can happen, especially in this sport, it’s like a New York minute, right? It swings from one pendulum to the next. He just needs to focus on week-to-week, just putting his best foot forward and just being the best version of him he can be”, he said via NY Post.
The way Robert Saleh answered this question about whether Zach Wilson can play his way back into the #Jets plans in 2024 through the final games of this year really seems to indicate that his time is running out.
— Paul Andrew Esden Jr (@BoyGreen25) December 11, 2023
Although he left the door open saying, ‘anything can happen,… pic.twitter.com/S33PeqvwVn
With one year remaining on his contract, valued at a guaranteed $5.5 million, Zach Wilson’s future remains uncertain, dangling between a potential trade and a chance at redemption in the upcoming season. As Rodgers’ 21-day practice has been opened, and he is expected to resume play in the match against the Washington Commanders, the future of Zach remains uncertain in the Big Apple.
Garrett Wilson pokes fun at Zach Wilson
Zach Wilson has endured a rollercoaster of criticism from NFL enthusiasts due to his fluctuating performance on the field. The 2023 season saw him facing a temporary benching after a string of lackluster displays. The QB’s initial stats showcased a completion rate of 59.2%, accompanied by 1,944 yards, six touchdowns, and seven interceptions
However, following the initial tumultuous journey, the BYU standout recently surprised critics with a commendable comeback in the Week 14 showdown against the Houston Texans. He recorded an impressive 301-yard, two-touchdown performance, steering the Jets to a commanding 30-6 victory.
The game also featured a memorable moment where the QB’s agility was put to the test. With a Texans defender closing in on him, the young star attempted a swift evasion, only to stumble embarrassingly without contact. Following the match, the Jets wide receiver, Garrett Wilson, quipped on social media to poke his QB. The receiver hilariously alleged the signal-caller’s move was to favor the Texans, whom he allegedly bet on to win outright.
“Bra had the Texans ML. He sick”, wrote Garrett.
Bra had the Texans ML. He sick https://t.co/6GWG563LgY
— Garrett Wilson (@GarrettWilson_V) December 10, 2023
When the Jets returned Zach Wilson to the starting lineup after benching him to favor Tim Boyle, who has been waived recently, Wilson said he would be “aggressively smart” against the Texans. He actually followed the statement, and now, as the Jets gear up for their next challenge against the Dolphins, his resurgence offers a glimmer of hope.
Gang Green’s upcoming fixture against the formidable Miami Dolphins will once again test the QB’s mettle on the field.
