On Sunday afternoon, Zach Wilson is set to start his 32nd game for the Jets, shedding light on the reasons behind the reported reluctance of the 2021 No. 2 overall pick to resume his role as the starter after being benched.
The Deseret News disclosed on Saturday that after Wilson’s most recent benching last month, he was informed by the Jets that they planned to trade him after the season. This revelation provides context to Wilson’s less-than-enthusiastic response, as reported by The Athletic, when asked to return as the starter.
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Sources close to the situation confirmed to the Deseret News that the Jets have told Zach Wilson he will be traded after the season. Wilson and coach Robert Saleh agreed to a mutual parting following the benching — again — of Wilson and before the team decided to return him to the starting position Sunday.
The Deseret News, rooted in Wilson’s native Utah, reported that coach Robert Saleh and Wilson mutually agreed to part ways after the quarterback’s benching but before the decision to reinstate him as the starter for Sunday’s game.
Trading Wilson may pose challenges for the Jets, given his struggles in the first three seasons of his NFL career. Throughout this period, he has thrown more interceptions than touchdowns and holds a career completion percentage of 56.6%.
The Jets have faced criticism for their failure to provide sufficient support for Wilson, particularly in constructing an effective offensive line and implementing a strategy that complements his skill set. This year, the team initially suggested that Wilson would benefit from a year of learning under mentor Aaron Rodgers, only to unexpectedly thrust him back into the starting role.
Despite the Jets’ defensive strength, the offensive struggles persisted, and it appears that Wilson’s time with the team is drawing to a close. Given the circumstances, it’s understandable why Wilson might be reluctant to risk injury in the midst of the Jets’ challenging situation. Saleh openly acknowledged this week that Wilson was always considered the quarterback giving them the best chance to win, despite his temporary benching for journeyman Tim Boyle in an attempt to ignite the struggling offense.
Now, as Wilson returns, it seems to mark the final chapter of his time with the Jets.
