NFL Network Reporter Tackles Topic of Zach Wilson's Future
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What about Zach?
With the New York Jets’ attention seemingly fully-focused on trading for quarterback Aaron Rodgers, former No. 2 overall draft pick Zach Wilson has been somewhat of an afterthought.
Jets’ head coach Robert Saleh confirmed second-string status for Wilson moving forward, but his statement came prior to Gang Green inking veteran backup signal caller Tim Boyle.
“He’s our No. 2 [quarterback],” said Saleh while addressing reporters at the NFL League Meetings in Arizona on March 27.
Tim Boyle’s signing appears to be a calculated move by Jets’ brass. The 29-year old quarterback gained experience under new Gang Green offensive coordinator Nathanial Hackett when the two were together with the Green Bay Packers for the 2019 and 2020 seasons.
In addition to a full understanding of Hackett’s scheme, Boyle shared a quarterbacks’ room with Rodgers for two years.
With Rodgers on the way and Boyle already in town, NFL Network reporter Judy Battista addressed what it all means for Wilson, who was once viewed as the franchise quarterback not long ago.
Battista aired her analysis during an April 12 appearance on NFL Network’s “NFL Now.”
NFL Network reporter Judy Battista
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
“It is a very strange situation,” said Battista. “Not only have they not given up on him, they have made it very clear that Zach Wilson is going to be the backup quarterback this year. The Jets are still talking about his high ceiling.”
Saleh offered nothing but compliments when it came to speaking about Wilson last month.
"I really still think Zach has a future in this league to be a really good quarterback,” said Saleh. “He has the work ethic. He has the mindset. We’re counting on him to be a fixture for a while.”
Battista, however, did not sound convinced that Wilson is truly in the franchise’s long-term plans. After all, the former BYU Cougar put forth a lackluster body of work prior to losing his starting job in 2022.
Wilson averaged fewer than 190 pass yards per game and finished with more touchdown passes than interceptions in only two of nine starts last year.
“This is a very unusual situation,” said Battista. “He was the No. 2 overall pick just two years, two years ago, and they’ve already moved on from him after 22 starts. We know last year went disastrously.”
While Battista noted that Wilson has not spoken publicly “since the whole Aaron Rodgers story blew up,” Saleh claims to have checked in with his backup quarterback.
“I’ve been in contact with Zach since the end of the season. I think he’s in a great mental state. I know he’s been working his butt off back home,” said Saleh at his NFL Owners Meetings press conference.
Should Rodgers play only one season with the Jets, Battista does not envision the team going back to Wilson as its No. 1 option.
“Right now, its hard to imagine that Zach Wilson could ever go back and be the Jets’ starting quarterback,” said Battista. “This has been a very strange few months. How does he respond to all of this when his football idol, Aaron Rodgers, gets in the building?”
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