NFL rumors: Jets’ delusional commitment to Zach Wilson may back them into a QB corner

The latest NFL rumors indicate the New York Jets want to hold onto hope with Zach Wilson, and that could hurt their chances at moving forward.

The New York Jets have made it explicitly clear that they expect to bring in a veteran quarterback to run the offense next season. Yet, NFL rumors suggest the Jets are not ready to completely give up on Zach Wilson, which could hurt their chances at getting the veteran they desire.

The Jets could be in the running for any number of the veteran quarterbacks available. Aaron Rodgers is obviously the crown jewel, but Derek Carr is also on the list along with Jimmy Garoppolo, too.

Heck, the Jets might as well take a look at Baker Mayfield, too.

Already, New York has met with free agent Derek Carr, becoming the second team to formally do so along with the Saints.

Reportedly, the meeting went well, but the fact that the Jets haven’t completely moved on from Zach Wilson is possibly holding things up.

According to Boomer Esiason, here’s how the Jets not moving on from Wilson is holding things up with Carr (H/T NESN):

“I don’t know what Derek Carr is going to do. I do know, however, that he is concerned from the Jets’ perspective that Zach Wilson is here,” Esiason said. “What does the future hold for Zach Wilson? Nobody can answer that question. … I do know that the Jets are not doing anything with Zach Wilson, regardless of what the fanbase may think. You start reacting to the fanbase, you end up sitting with the fanbase. …I’m not saying he’s in the running to start next year, but he is going to be here. He’s going to be part of the team, that I know. They’re not giving up on him just yet. That may be the sticking point. I’m not sure, but it could be a sticking point for Derek Carr.”

Jets have no reason to move on from Zach Wilson, but it might hurt quarterback options

There’s no reason for the Jets to abandon Zach Wilson entirely just yet. His base salary is extremely low — though his cap hit is $9.6 and $11.2 million the next two seasons due to bonuses — which gives the team some flexibility.

Plus, the Jets have a club option on Wilson’s contract in 2025, keeping him in club control until 2026.

So, why cut ties just yet? A young quarterback who hasn’t lived up to the hype isn’t necessarily a lost cause. The Jets could pivot back to Wilson after they feel he’s been coached up enough to get another shot, he could be a solid backup quarterback, or they could get some assets out of him in a trade if another team is bullish on trying to help him reset his young career.

That mindset makes sense, but it doesn’t mean it’s going to sit well with veteran quarterbacks closer to their career twilights than dawns.

For instance, with Carr, feeling Wilson breathing down his neck anytime he has a bad Sunday afternoon will be unsettling, and could be the end of Carr’s meaningful playing career.

The same thing could be said for Garoppolo and, to an even larger extent, Mayfield.

It does position the Jets more squarely on one possible solution, though: Aaron Rodgers.

Unlike the free agent veteran quarterbacks, Rodgers doesn’t have as much latitude. If he wants to play next year, and the Jets give the Packers an offer they can’t deny, he’s going to be playing at MetLife. Rodgers does not have a no-trade clause in his contract.

One big card Rodgers can play to control his destiny is a retirement threat, though.

That said, the Jets are young, talented, and maybe the change of scenery Rodgers needs. Plus, it would be a respectable way to go out: Taking the Jets back to the playoffs for the first time since 2010.

If you’re going to be backed into a corner, Rodgers isn’t the worst “last resort” option to be pushed toward. The only issue with this scenario is it means limited options for the Jets. If they get desperate, they could potentially overpay the Packers in a trade.