29 February 2024 , 04:00
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New York Jets backup quarterback Zach Wilson has been given the green light to look for a trade, according to general manager Joe Douglas.
"Where we are exactly, we've given them permission to talk to other teams about a trade," Douglas said at the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis. "I'm going to circle back with [Wilson's agent] at some point, either this week or next week, just to see how those conversations are going. But other than that, there's nothing else to report."
At 24, Wilson has had a rocky start in the NFL since being picked second overall in 2021 and he's struggled to prove he's ready for a starting role in the NFL. He didn't make the most of unexpected playing time in 2023, when Aaron Rodgers' season was cut short in Week 1 due to an Achilles tear.
The Jets ended the season with a disappointing 7-10 record, with Wilson mostly leading the team. Their hopes for the playoffs were dashed in the first game of the season against the Buffalo Bills when four-time NFL MVP Rodgers had to be helped off the field.
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A trade would mean the end of the Jets' hopes for Rodgers to help develop Wilson, who they hoped could take over from the 40-year-old when the time was right.
"Of course, I wish things had gone differently the past two years and I would've played amazing. But I truly believe things happen for a reason," Wilson said in the summer of 2023 after Rodgers' trade was announced..
"How old is he 40? He's double my age. I'm like, 'You're like my big brother I never had.' Sometimes your little brother has to make your life hell."
Rodgers only good things to say about Wilson, saying with a smile: "He hasn't made my life hell every day. He's been a joy to work with and I give him so much credit because it's a tough situation what he went through."
Wilson has been underwhelming since being drafted second overall in the 2021 NFL Draft (Getty)Despite Wilson having Rodgers in his corner, he struggled to make the most of his unexpected opportunity to be starter once again after the veteran went down. He's now looking for other options where he might get another shot at his NFL career.
There are several teams needing a quarterback, either as a starter or a backup. The Los Angeles Rams, San Francisco 49ers, Carolina Panthers, Denver Broncos and the Las Vegas Raiders are potential destinations. All five teams are looking for a new QB.
It could turn out particularly interesting for the Raiders and the Broncos. Neither team has a confirmed starting quarterback.
Denver is presently dealing with issues involving Russell Wilson; meanwhile, Las Vegas' Jimmy Garoppolo will be let go following a suspension for two games due to a PED violation.