Zach Wilson remains in limbo as Jets still seeking trade partner for disappointing QB

NEW YORK — No news is not good news for Jets quarterback Zach Wilson.

In February, GM Joe Douglas and the Jets gave Wilson permission to seek a trade. However, two months later, Wilson remains on Gang Green’s roster.

Then last month, at the NFL owners meetings in Orlando, Fla., Jets owner Woody Johnson said they would not release Wilson if they could not find a trade partner. However, during the same media availability, Johnson said he wouldn’t “speculate” and called Wilson a valuable asset.

Douglas echoed Johnson’s sentiments when he spoke to the media on Friday during a pre-draft press conference.

“I know you guys talked to Woody about Zach and my thoughts are in line with Woody,” Douglas said. “Zach is an asset and at that same time, we are obviously open to trading Zach.

“There have been discussions, nothing’s really changed since we talked down in Florida. But we are open to trading him. There’s just no news to report on that.”

After being selected second overall in the 2021 NFL draft, Wilson has struggled during his three seasons with the Jets. He was benched multiple times in 2022 before being relegated to backup quarterback after the Jets acquired Aaron Rodgers last year.

The thought was Wilson could take a step back and watch Rodgers for a few seasons. That, of course, didn’t happen after Rodgers tore his Achilles four plays into the Jets' season opener against the Bills.

Wilson played in 12 games last season and passed for 2,271 yards, eight touchdowns and seven interceptions. Gang Green went 4-7 in his starts. He missed the final three games of the season after suffering a concussion during the Jets’ 30-0 loss against the Dolphins in December.

At the NFL Honors Red Carpet, Johnson lambasted Wilson and said the Jets didn’t have a backup QB during the 2023 season. To address that need, the Jets signed Tyrod Taylor to a two-year contract in March that could be worth up to $18 million.

The Jets’ voluntary offseason workout program began Monday. But Wilson is not in attendance, and his status on the team is in limbo. If the Jets release Wilson, they would take a dead money cap hit of $11.2 million. If Wilson is traded, the Jets would net $5.7 million in savings.

The Jets’ biggest problem is many backup and third-string quarterback positions have already been filled this offseason. Many other teams will also select QBs during next week’s draft.

“That’s the magic trick, sort of speak,” Douglas said. “Try to make sure that Zach is in a good spot but also doing right for the New York Jets. That is the line we’re walking.”

On decision on Vera-Tucker’s option

The deadline for teams to exercise fifth-year options on the rookie contracts of 2021 first-round draft picks is rapidly approaching.

Teams must decide by May 2 whether to keep those players for a fifth season or decline their options. The Jets have yet to determine if they will pick up guard Alijah Vera-Tucker‘s fifth-year option for 2025, which would be worth $15.3 million.

“We haven’t talked about that yet,” Douglas said. “But we have a little time after the draft. I’ll definitely update you guys on that.”

It’s difficult to fathom the Jets not discussing picking up Vera-Tucker’s option less than two weeks before the deadline. He is one of the best linemen on the team and a valuable piece to their offense. Vera-Tucker has played four of five offensive line positions during his three seasons with the Jets.

But it’s easy to understand the Jets dilemma. Vera-Tucker has played in just 12 of 34 games the last two seasons because of two separate season-ending injuries.

In 2022, Vera-Tucker tore his tricep in a game at Denver and missed the rest of the season. Coincidentally, Vera-Tucker suffered a season-ending Achilles tear on the same field against the Broncos last season.

If Vera-Tucker’s option is declined, 2024 would be the final year of his rookie contract. However, the franchise tag could be an option for Vera-Tucker if he remains healthy for the 2024 season.