Zach Wilson Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

Report: Jets expected to trade QB Zach Wilson this offseason

By Clark Dalton | Last updated 1/7/24

The New York Jets are planning to move on from quarterback Zach Wilson this offseason.

Per NFL Media's Ian Rapoport, the Jets will attempt to trade the former first-round pick when the window re-opens in March. Dianna Russini of The Athletic added New York told Wilson — who's on injured reserve with a concussion — it would trade him this offseason, which is why he didn't want to reenter the starting lineup after he was benched.

Zach Wilson’s time with the Jets is expected to be over because the Jets told him they had plans to trade him this off-season when he was benched, per sources.
This is part of the reason he was reluctant to go back to starting weeks ago.
We’ll see how it all plays out.
— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) January 7, 2024

Overall, this isn't a surprise. Aaron Rodgers — a four-time league MVP — will return from his Achilles tear next season. Wilson didn't look like a franchise QB in 12 games, completing 60.1 percent of his passes for 2,271 yards, eight TDs, seven picks and a below-average 77.2 passer rating.

Wilson has one year remaining on a fully guaranteed four-year, $35.15M contract. Per Over The Cap, trading him with a pre-or post-Jun. 1 designation will result in $5.73M in dead money and $5.45M in cap savings.

"We'll see," Jets head coach Robert Saleh said of Wilson's future in a Wednesday news conference. "It's all things that we're going to have to talk about once the season's over, but whether it's here or somewhere else, I believe he's going to have a hell of a career."

Wilson might not attract trade suitors, given his struggles. However, former Jets QB and CBS Sports analyst Boomer Easion recently claimed he thinks the Kansas City Chiefs will take a flier on him, so he can learn under HC Andy Reid and backup Patrick Mahomes.

Regardless, this is the best move for both parties. Wilson needs a fresh start, and the Jets could use draft picks to upgrade the roster and snap their 13-year playoff drought.

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