New York Jets: Are They Really Committed To Zach Wilson?

The New York Jets seem primed to move on from Zach Wilson. Despite their poker face stating they’re sticking it out with Wilson, they could be risking much more if they choose to gamble that much. With some big names still on the table, the Jets could potentially miss out on a move that would fix their woes. Their blind faith that Wilson may one day turn it around could set them up for failure for multiple years. This is the year they need to make a move to solidify their franchise quarterback.

If They’re Committed To Wilson:

If the New York Jets aren’t pulling anyone’s leg and really think Zach Wilson can turn it around, that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t make a move via free agency. Derek Carr should still be on their radar. The former Raider will be 32 years old when the season starts and still has plenty of good football in him, why can’t he be their transitional quarterback? Just as they benched Wilson last year to focus him on the football mindset and playbook they could do the same with Carr in-house. If the Jets can sign Carr to a 4-year deal then Wilson can sit for a year or even two before the Jets make a full decision on him. Granted that is a lot of money to tie up on one position, but the QB is the most important spot on the field.

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If he’s not making significant improvements in the next two seasons, they can move on without picking up his fifth-year option. Carr would give him the opportunity to take a back seat and learn where he’s struggling all while not wasting the skill positions in their prime. If he does make a significant improvement, your franchise QB will still be in his prime on the right side of 30. With two years off Zach Wilson would just be turning 26 to start the 2025 season on a 5th-year option. A front-loaded contract would allow the Jets to cut or trade Derek Carr if Wilson pans out. If he doesn’t, they can stick with Carr and draft his eventual replacement to develop the back half of Carr’s contract.

If They’re Not Committed:

They hold all of the cards. If the New York Jets aren’t committed to Zach Wilson going forward, then it’s time to swing for the fences. They can trade big and over-invest in Aaron Rodgers if the Green Bay Packers make him available. Going all-in on Rodgers would instantly put the Jets back into the division race despite needing help in a few other areas. They have plenty of young talent who could have break-out seasons with a gunslinger under center.

If they’re not willing to risk it all, they still should be forking over a decent contract for Derek Carr. Of the two potentially available quarterbacks, Carr would be the cheaper option as they wouldn’t have to take on a bloated contract already nor would they have to give up draft picks. They could sign him to a decent deal with reasonable length and still have draft stock to get the help he needs to get the Jets over the top. They could dump Wilson, dump Joe Flacco, and keep Mike White as their backup quarterback. White was a decent fill-in last year and proved he can be an emergency start kind of player. The duo would allow the Jets a bit more flexibility in the offseason while still being competitive come game days.

No matter what they do, the New York Jets have to get it right this offseason. The rest of the division is as competitive as it gets and if they’re not careful, the Jets could slip back into the divisional basement. A wrong move here could set them back multiple seasons again, something they can’t afford to do as the division isn’t completely dominated by one team anymore.