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Zach Wilson’s Trade Market Waning Due to Contract, Need

March 25, 2024


The New York Jets are coming off a disastrous 2023 season. Things were supposed to look up for the Jets, especially after trading for four-time NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers. However, after only four offensive snaps, Rodgers was done for the season after tearing his Achilles in the season opener.

From that moment on, it was all downhill for the Jets. Former number two overall pick Zach Wilson took the reigns from Rodgers. The hopes and dreams of all Jets fans were thrown out the window faster than you could say ‘Bing Bong.’

Rodgers should be back for the 2024 season and led the Jets to new heights. However, there’s a chance Wilson won’t be around for it. While rumors are swirling that the Jets have Wilson on the chopping block, there may not be a market for the former BYU Cougar. ESPN’s Rich Cimini noted that Wilson’s contract and lack of need may make it difficult for New York to move on from the quarterback.

“Wilson has permission to speak to teams about a trade, but his salary (a guaranteed $5.5 million) is a deterrent, not to mention his checkered body of work,” Cimini reported. “He’s probably hoping for his release, so he can find a job with no strings attached. It’ll be interesting to see how long the Jets hold out hope for a trade.”

Zach Wilson
Zach Wilson, #2 of the New York Jets, warms up prior to a game against the Las Vegas Raiders during a game at Allegiant Stadium on November 12, 2023, in Las Vegas, Nevada. Wilson could…


Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images

Cimini also mentioned how the only option for the 24-year-old may be the Kansas City Chiefs, who don’t have a reliable number two quarterback behind Patrick Mahomes. Wilson is under a four-year $35.1 million contract and won’t be a free agent until 2026. Any team that would trade for him will have two years of team control.

As a starter, it’s clear Wilson is not ready for that, but as a number two, he could thrive in that role. In his three-year career, the 24-year-old had collected a 12-21 record, completing 566 passes for a completion percentage of 57%, 23 touchdowns, 25 interceptions, and a passer rating of 72.3 in 34 games and 33 starts.

It’s not the end of the world if he remains with the Jets. He is still young and has a ton of upside. However, Wilson could be better used on another team. Things with the Jets don’t seem like they’ll work out, no matter how much time Rodgers has left. All it takes is one team to believe in him, no matter what role they deem fit for him.