There was a time when New York Jets quarterback Zach Wilson told reporters that if the team brought in a veteran to compete with him for the 2023 starting job, he would make that player’s life hell every day.
But now, it appears, Wilson has changed his tune. Speaking to reporters after minicamp on Friday, the 23-year-old QB had nothing but positive things to say about new teammate and new Jets starting QB Aaron Rodgers.
“Aaron knows this, but he’s someone I’ve looked up to since I can remember playing football,” Wilson said. “So, I’m very appreciative of him and how much he is willing to help me because he really doesn’t need to be that vocal.”
“He honestly truly is an amazing friend and obviously such an amazing quarterback, so I am learning a lot of football. … I’d been talking with him this offseason. I was with him early in the offseason before any of this was even getting talked about. So we got to spend some time together.”
Among qualifying NFL quarterbacks over the last two seasons, Wilson ranks last in passing yards (4,022), touchdowns (15), passer rating (70.9) and completion percentage (55.2). He even acknowledged that his production, which has not been up to par, forced the team’s hand in acquiring another QB, stating “I can’t be bitter about the situation; I didn’t perform well.”
Wilson will likely be riding the bench for as long as Rodgers remains in New York. But Rodgers is 39 years old and there remains a good chance Wilson will see another chance to start in a year or two.
A trade that was originally believed to be the nail in Wilson’s coffin in New York may now actually be what saves his career. Even he admitted as much, saying that sitting and studying behind a four-time NFL MVP and 10-time Pro Bowler with a Super Bowl ring will ultimately help his development.
“I’m extremely psyched that of any quarterback they could’ve brought in, it was him,” Wilson said. “…I have to look at kind of where I’m at as a quarterback and how I can look to be the best I can be, and I do think this can be a big part of it. What he brings to the table, what coach Hackett and Downing bring to the table could be really good for me and my development.”
