(Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
New York Jets owner Woody Johnson has shared a surprising update on the team’s plans for quarterback Zach Wilson if a trade doesn’t come to fruition.

The Jets are widely expected to move on from Zach Wilson after a third straight disappointing and uninspiring season. The No. 2 pick of 2021 lost his starting job late in the season to Tim Boyle, having failed to carry the offense following Aaron Rodgers’ season-ending Achilles rupture in Week 1.

But in a surprise, Johnson informed reporters that they’ll actually hold onto Wilson if they aren’t able to find a trade partner for the BYU product, per ESPN’s Rich Cimini:

“If we don’t trade him, we’re going to keep him,” Johnson said.

The Jets have already brought in a valuable backup option in former Buffalo Bills starter Tyrod Taylor, who was brought in on a two-year deal. So if the Jets keep Zach Wilson, he’ll be the No. 3 QB on the depth chart.

The Jets drafted Wilson second overall in 2021, right after the Jacksonville Jaguars used the top pick on Trevor Lawrence. Through three seasons, Wilson had underwhelmed with a 12-21-0 record and a 57.0 completion percentage to go along with 6,293 passing yards and 23 touchdowns against 25 interceptions.

Zach Wilson Needs A Fresh Start

The worst-case scenario for Zach Wilson is that the Jets hang onto him as their No. 3 QB, because it gives him absolutely no chance to improve and showcase himself as a potential starter.

If Aaron Rodgers is healthy, he unquestionably remains the No.1 QB. And if the Jets need to turn to a backup, it’s going to be Taylor. Add it all up, and Zach Wilson staying in Gotham is just the worst possible outcome.

Zach Wilson will not be a starting QB anywhere in 2024, but he needs to go to a team that might give him the chance to prove himself. A club like the Denver Broncos or Minnesota Vikings could use Zach Wilson as an insurance option, given their uncertain QB situations.