Trade Talks Including Zach Wilson Heating Up Before NFL Draft

Since the 2024 league year began, a number of well-known quarterbacks have changed teams, and another will most likely be added in the coming weeks. For more than two seasons, Zach Wilson, the quarterback for the New York Jets, has been the focus of trade discussions. The 2021 NFL Draft saw the BYU product selected with the second overall choice, and as a rookie, he quickly earned the starting position. Sadly, he had a difficult time in his first two years and was moved to backup position after Aaron Rodgers.

Four snaps into the season, Wilson’s plan to spend the year learning under the four-time MVP was derailed.After rupturing his Achilles tendon, Rodgers had to return to action as a second-overall pick. With only 60.1% of his throws completed for 2,271 yards, eight touchdowns, and seven interceptions in 12 games, Wilson was not up to the task. The New York Jets signed Tyrod Taylor as their backup quarterback after a third unsuccessful season, strongly hinting that Zach Wilson will be traded.

The New York Jets have reportedly received several trade offers for Zach Wilson, according to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk. The article continues by stating that the Jets are not interested in the current lackluster offers, and that in the event that they are unable to locate a suitable trade partner, owner Woody Johnson has stated that the Jets will retain Wilson.

Trade Talks Including Zach Wilson Heating Up Before NFL Draft

Though it’s unlikely that any team will offer more than a seventh-round pick in exchange for Zach Wilson, trade offers are still possible. Wilson has performed worse since joining the NFL than both Mac Jones and Justin Fields, who both received extremely poor trade returns. It is difficult to understand how Wilson might attract any interest on the free market when you consider that he has a $5.45 million guarantee.

The Jets are going to attempt to trade Zach Wilson in one way or another. It’s likely that Johnson’s remarks are just a desperate attempt to get a team to extend an offer. These three teams might be prepared to take a chance on the former second-round choice, whether it pays off or not.

Possible Destinations

Kansas City Chiefs

One of the few teams without a stable backup quarterback scenario is the Kansas City Chiefs. The team has not signed Blaine Gabbert again despite Gabbert being a free agent last season. Given that Gabbert won’t cost the earth, it’s reasonable to assume the team wants to move on. If Patrick Mahomes were to sustain a season-ending injury, no other quarterback in the league could save this squad; yet, if the two-time NFL MVP is forced to miss a month of action, the team could use someone who could go 2-2. Zach Wilson may be a desirable trade candidate because of his mobility, which spares Kansas City from having to drastically alter their playbook in the event that the former Jets player is needed to replace

The Packers are a franchise that excels at developing quarterbacks. Although Jordan Love seems to be Aaron Rodgers’ heir apparent, they still need a backup in case of injury. Zach Wilson is a talented player, and the Packers may be open to making a low-risk trade for him. With any luck, they’ll have a reliable backup for a year before he departs in favor of a respectable compensation pick.

Chargers of Los Angeles

The Chargers have Easton Stick back, but they ought to think about bringing in some other players to compete for the backup position. Stick’s potential is limited, while Zach Wilson might have some trade-option value. Maybe Jim Harbaugh can preserve Wilson’s career the way he saved Alex Smith’s in 2011.