The New York Jets have granted Zach Wilson’s agent permission to talk with different groups a few potential commerce, normal supervisor Joe Douglas advised reporters Wednesday on the scouting mix in Indianapolis.
Whereas Wilson’s days with the staff seem numbered, the Jets are attempting to re-sign extremely regarded pass-rusher Bryce Huff earlier than he turns into a free agent, however they will not use the franchise tag, Douglas mentioned.
Wilson’s destiny was sealed on the finish of the season, when the Jets made it clear they might be out there for a veteran backup to play behind Aaron Rodgers. That sentiment was strengthened just lately by proprietor Woody Johnson, who mentioned, “We’d like a backup quarterback. We did not have one final yr.”
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Douglas mentioned he has had conversations with Wilson’s agent, Brian Ayrault. Douglas did not say whether or not Wilson — drafted No. 2 general in 2021 — requested a commerce, though it is no secret that he is in search of a change of surroundings. The staff advised him in the course of the season that it might be prepared to accommodate him, sources mentioned.
“I’ll circle again with Brian sooner or later this week or subsequent week simply to see how these conversations go,” Douglas mentioned. “However apart from that, there’s nothing else to report.”
League sources advised ESPN just lately that Wilson, who has the league’s second-lowest Complete QBR over the previous three seasons, would fetch solely a late-round draft choose in a commerce. The Jets may search a conditional choose, primarily based on taking part in time.
After two disappointing seasons because the starter, Wilson was changed by Rodgers, with the group hoping that he’d be groomed by the longer term Corridor of Famer. The plan went awry when Rodgers tore his left Achilles tendon on the fourth play of the season, forcing Wilson into motion.
The offense struggled mightily, as Wilson received solely 4 of 11 begins with eight landing passes and 7 interceptions. He was benched in favor of journeyman Tim Boyle, then returned to the lineup earlier than struggling a season-ending concussion in Week 15.
Wilson is counting $11.2 million on the cap and as a consequence of make $5.5 million in assured cash this season. His fifth-year possibility for 2025 must be exercised by Could 2, however there isn’t any likelihood of that occuring.
Douglas sounded assured about touchdown a high quality backup.
“We’re nonetheless actually early within the offseason, particularly in terms of the veteran backup panorama and market,” he mentioned. “We have had good conferences and good evaluations with the blokes which might be accessible, and I feel we’re able to take the subsequent step and see the place the market is precisely with these backup quarterbacks.”
As for Huff, who led the Jets with 10 sacks, the staff expects to fulfill together with his agent on the mix. They’ve already held discussions a few new contract, and Douglas mentioned he expects to have productive conversations within the coming days. Not using the franchise tag isn’t surprising as a result of the quantity for a defensive finish is a steep $21.3 million.