The New York Jets kept their full trust in Zach Wilson when Aaron Rodgers season ended with a disappointing injury. However, Wilson couldn’t prove his caliber in the place of the four-time MVP. Head coach Robert Saleh had to go through a series of backlashes from Gang Green’s fans for keeping the quarterback as the starter.
Saleh ultimately benched Wilson, but the Jets trajectory didn’t change in the 2023 season. The team once again missed the playoffs after showcasing late-season excellence. The franchise is now aiming to bid adieu to Wilson before heading into the upcoming season.
Zach Wilson reportedly set to hit free agency
Zach Wilson’s departure from the Jets has intensified, with reports suggesting that the young quarterback is set to hit free agency. He faced challenges as the team went 4-7 during his stint as a fill-in.
Aaron Rodgers is recovering from an Achilles injury, and the Jets seem poised to part ways with Wilson, exploring trade options this offseason. However, if no suitable trade partner emerges, the team may opt to release him.
𝗥𝗨𝗠𝗢𝗥 𝗔𝗟𝗘𝗥𝗧:
— NFL Notifications (@NFLNotify) March 10, 2024
The #Jets are expected to release Zach Wilson in the coming days.
No team has showed interest in Wilson and the Jets want to move on while also giving Zach a chance at free agency before the market dries up.
Looks like the Jets will swallow the $11M dead… pic.twitter.com/CU9PY4CVhd
Cutting Wilson would incur over $11 million in dead-cap money. But the Jets appear eager to move on, despite the financial implications. They may grant him an opportunity for free agency before the market diminishes.
Since being drafted as the No. 2 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, the young star has had a tumultuous tenure with the Jets. He featured in 34 games and 33 starts over three seasons, completing 57 percent of his passes for 6,293 yards, via Sports Yahoo. The signal-caller also recorded 23 touchdowns, and 25 interceptions, but found himself displaced as the team’s starter each season.
Wilson concluded his 2023 season with a 60 percent completion rate, accumulating 2,271 yards along with eight touchdowns, and seven interceptions.
Zach Wilson emerges as potential Kirk Cousins replacement
Kirk Cousins’ future with the Minnesota Vikings hangs in the balance with his contract set to expire, and the team is already contemplating potential replacements. Zach Wilson’s name has surfaced prominently in discussions, alongside Sam Darnold. The rumor was sparked by local insider Darren Wolfson on SKOR North’s “Minnesota Sports with Mackey and Judd” podcast.
REPORT: The #Vikings could pursue Sam Darnold and Zach Wilson as potential replacements for Kirk Cousins.
— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) March 10, 2024
🤯👀
The “steam” on Darnold is “legit” and is right at the top of the teams list, per DWolfsonKSTP. pic.twitter.com/aCpLhC6j40
Cousins’ journey took a detour in Week 8 of the 2023 season when he suffered a season-ending Achilles tendon tear while facing the Green Bay Packers. The veteran showcased resilience in his recovery by diligently updating fans on his progress through videos demonstrating his return to form, and executing precise throws.
Cousins was enjoying a stellar season before his injury, boasting a completion rate of nearly 70%, amassing 2331 yards, and tossing 18 touchdowns in just eight games. His performance hinted at a potential 4000-yard, 30-touchdown season, had misfortune not intervened.
Meanwhile, Darnold, with a career record of 21-35 and a passer rating of 78.3, is a potential option for the Vikings. But Wilson, with a record of 12-21 and a passer rating of 73.2, also emerges as a compelling alternative. If the Vikings fail to re-sign Cousins or secure Darnold, Wilson could become their third option.
