The Jets have reaffirmed their faith in the potential of Zach Wilson, even as they search for another quarterback.
During the NFL Scouting Combine on Tuesday, General Manager Joe Douglas, who selected Wilson with the second overall pick in 2021, discussed the team’s strategy for the third-year QB, working alongside new Offensive Coordinator Nathaniel Hackett and Passing Game Coordinator Todd Downing.
Do you agree with Joe Douglas on Zach Wilson? pic.twitter.com/FqFeRDiUS8
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“Again, our stance on Zach hasn’t changed. We feel like Zach has a very high ceiling. Obviously, the first two years haven’t played out the way anybody hoped, but we still feel like there’s a very high ceiling with Zach.”
Despite the Jets’ 5-4 record in games that Zach Wilson started last season, the former BYU quarterback had a difficult second year. He only completed 54.5 percent of his passes for 1,688 yards, with six touchdowns and seven interceptions.
Following a disastrous performance in a Week 10 loss to the Patriots, Wilson was benched in favor of Mike White.
The Jets’ desire to win now, after finishing 7-10 despite a 7-4 start, is partly due to Wilson’s decline in performance. As a result, they are currently exploring the possibility of acquiring a veteran QB.
Could this get Zach Wilson on the move to New Orleans? 👀 pic.twitter.com/okFxCSlpMW
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They have engaged in initial discussions about a potential trade for Aaron Rodgers from the Packers and have also had meetings with free agent quarterback Derek Carr. This situation has left Wilson’s future role with the Jets somewhat unclear.
That, however, doesn’t seem to have changed the Jets’ confidence in what Wilson still can become in the NFL.
Douglas said, “In my time in the league, I’ve found when players love this game and when players work their tails off, they usually hit their ceiling. So, I feel like Zach definitely has those traits. I still feel strongly that Zach’s going to be able to hit his ceiling.”
As the Jets continue to search for ways to improve their team and achieve success in the NFL, General Manager Joe Douglas remains steadfast in his belief that Zach Wilson has the potential to reach great heights under the guidance of new Offensive Coordinator Nathaniel Hackett.
