Report: Jets Don’t Plan To Shop Former BYU QB Zach Wilson In Offseason
Jan 1, 2023, 12:31 PM
Zach Wilson #2 of the New York Jets warms up prior to the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at MetLife Stadium on December 22, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
(Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY – The New York Jets don’t plan to shop former BYU quarterback Zach Wilson after their 2022 season ends, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
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The NFL insider detailed the Jets’ long-term plans for Wilson prior to Week 17 on Sunday, January 1.
After the former BYU star was benched during New York’s Week 16 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, Jets head coach Robert Saleh expressed confidence that Wilson was in his team’s future plans.
“We’re not going to quit on him,” Saleh said.
Rapoport reported that Saleh’s remarks “are indicative of the organizational view” that the Jets have for Wilson.
“Jets general manager Joe Douglas does not plan to shop Wilson this offseason, sources say,” Rapoport wrote on NFL.com. “The team views Wilson as an incredibly hard worker, a good teammate and very smart. He has handled his demotions well and kept working.”
As the #Jets head into a fascinating 2023, sources say GM Joe Douglas does not plan to shop QB Zach Wilson this offseason.
My story on why, what it means, and what's next: https://t.co/3721mFBcro
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 1, 2023
“As one source said simply, ‘He’s going to get better.'” Rapoport added.
Wilson’s benching in Week 16 was his second demotion of the season. The young quarterback was first benched after a poor performance against the New England Patriots on November 20. Wilson was inactive and on the sideline until starting on December 18 after fellow Jets quarterback Mike White was injured. Wilson started against the Lions on December 18 and against the Jaguars on December 22. After opening the Jacksonville game 9/18 passing for 92 yards and an interception, Wilson was benched.
From @NFLGameDay: #49ers QB Trey Lance underwent a second surgery on his ankle, putting him back on crutches. Meanwhile, the #Jets do not plan to shop QB Zach Wilson this offseason. More 👇👇👇 pic.twitter.com/AlTXaKjru7
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 1, 2023
The Jets plan to have Wilson inactive for Week 17. They currently own a 7-8 record and six in third place in the AFC East.
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New York’s next game is on the road against the Seattle Seahawks on January 1 at 2:05 p.m. (MDT). The game will be broadcast on FOX and NFL Sunday Ticket.
RELATED: Jets QB Zach Wilson Benched Against Jaguars, Replaced By Former CFL Standout
About Zach Wilson
Before his time in the NFL, the Corner Canyon High School product had a standout career at BYU. Wilson helped the Cougars to an 11-1 record during his final season in Provo.
During Wilson’s rookie campaign last season, the former BYU standout missed four games because of a knee injury and threw for 2,334 yards, nine touchdowns, and 11 interceptions with a 55.6 completion rate.
Social media took off with takes on #ZachWilson after the @nyjets benched the young quarterback during #TNFonPrime. 🔥 ✈️ 🏈#LocalsInTheNFL #NFL #TakeFlight #JAXvsNYJ #BYU #GoCougs #BYUFOOTBALL https://t.co/IZcpXdKS8z
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) December 23, 2022
The former BYU star underwent surgery in August after suffering a knee injury in New York’s preseason opener. He also suffered a knee injury last season as a rookie.
Without Wilson, the Jets opened the 2022 season with a 1-2 record. After returning, the Jets posted a 5-2 record before Wilson was benched for the first time.
This season, Wilson has thrown for 1,688 yards, six touchdowns, and seven interceptions with a 54.5 percent completion rate. He has a rating of 72.9 and a QBR of 37.1
During his two seasons in the league, the former BYU star has thrown for 4,022 yards, 15 touchdowns, and 18 interceptions. He’s also run for 287 yards and five touchdowns.
Kyle Ireland is a Locals in the NFL Insider for sports.ksl.com and co-host of the Yards After College Podcast. Follow him on Twitter (@kyleireland) and Instagram (@kyleirelandksl).
