ORLANDO, Fla. — Might Zach be again?
Jets proprietor Woody Johnson mentioned Monday that the crew gained’t launch quarterback Zach Wilson if it could’t discover a commerce companion for him.
“If we don’t commerce him, we’re going to maintain him,” Johnson mentioned on the NFL homeowners conferences.
The Jets have been looking for somebody occupied with taking the previous No. 2 general choose off their fingers, however nothing has materialized.
Johnson might have simply been posturing on Monday to attempt to keep away from destroying any commerce worth Wilson might have, nevertheless it was stunning to listen to Johnson say the Jets would think about holding onto Wilson.
Johnson acknowledged that it could be higher for Wilson to get a recent begin with one other crew.
“From his standpoint, it’s most likely higher if he modifies faces and will get to a brand new place and he can wipe the slate clear,” Johnson mentioned. “I believe that might most likely be higher for him.”
Whereas Johnson mentioned {that a} new crew could be in Wilson’s greatest curiosity, he made it clear he’s not going to simply give him away.
“Zach is a worthwhile asset,” Johnson mentioned. “I mentioned it could be higher for him. No, we’re not simply going to launch him.”
Jets common supervisor Joe Douglas mentioned he has been speaking to Wilson’s agent, Brian Ayrault, who has had permission to discover a commerce companion since simply after the season ended.
Douglas mentioned he additionally has talked to some groups, however nothing is imminent.
“There have been a variety of good conversations along with his agent,” Douglas mentioned Monday. “There have been some discussions with groups relating to a commerce. I’ve bought no information to report. There’s nothing near being executed on that entrance.”
Johnson’s tone about Wilson modified from Tremendous Bowl week final month when Johnson mentioned, “We’d like a backup quarterback. We didn’t have one final yr.”
Wilson went 12-21 as a Jets starter and had struggles on and off the sector throughout his first three seasons.
Johnson mentioned he needs Wilson bought to take a seat behind Aaron Rodgers final season, because the crew deliberate.
As a substitute, Wilson took over 4 performs into the season when Rodgers bought harm.
“I really feel badly about Zach in some methods,” Johnson mentioned. “Final yr would have been nice, it could have been the primary time he may simply sit again and watch a grasp at work. He’s by no means had that. He’s been within the fireplace from Day 1. I believe that’s what he wants. He must be in a spot the place he can observe for some time. He’s bought the ability. He can do all the things. There’s a purpose we drafted him at No. 2 general. I’ve confidence that he’ll get there sooner or later.”
There was a report from Professional Soccer Discuss on Monday that the Jets have obtained gives for Wilson however Johnson has been the one stopping the commerce. Johnson mentioned that isn’t true.
“I don’t nix them,” Johnson mentioned. “If it was nixed, it could be Joe that nixed it.”
The Jets and Wilson would each profit from a commerce getting executed sooner quite than later, however Douglas mentioned it must be a transfer that works for the Jets. They don’t simply wish to unload him.
“I believe the trick is to have or not it’s helpful for the crew and the participant,” Douglas mentioned. “And I believe that’s what everyone’s working towards, however finally we’re going to need to do what’s proper for the crew.”
Douglas spoke to reporters earlier than Johnson mentioned the crew wouldn’t launch Wilson.
Douglas was requested if he may envision Wilson remaining with the Jets into 2024.
“We’re so early on this offseason course of,” Douglas mentioned. “There’s a variety of meat left on the bone with regards to even attending to coaching camp and even OTAs. I haven’t even provided that a lot thought.”
