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Rich Cimini, ESPN Staff Writer
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — New York Jets quarterback Zach Wilson, on the trading block since the start of the offseason, is skipping voluntary workouts as he remains in limbo with the NFL draft approaching next week.
Wilson, the No. 2 pick in 2021, was granted permission in February to speak to teams about a potential trade. General manager Joe Douglas said Friday he has had discussions with teams but added, “There’s just no news to report on that.”
In his first three seasons, Wilson was always an active participant in the offseason program, so his absence is out of character and seems to indicate a level of frustration. Of course, the landscape has changed, as the organization has publicly declared its willingness to move on from the former starter.
The Jets already replaced him on the roster, having signed veteran Tyrod Taylor as Aaron Rodgers‘ backup.
“I think it’s each player’s choice whether they’re going to be here for Phase 1 [of the program],” Douglas said at his pre-draft news conference. “These are all voluntary. There are quite a few players that haven’t come for the first week. So, look, that’s a decision that Zach has to make.”
At this point, it would be a surprise if Wilson shows up for workouts, especially if his situation drags beyond the draft. Meanwhile, backup jobs have filled up around the NFL as the Jets wait for an acceptable trade offer. The stumbling block appears to be Wilson’s 2024 salary — $5.45 million, fully guaranteed — and how much the Jets are willing to absorb.
Douglas said he was mindful of the long delay and how it could be affecting Wilson’s job prospects, but he also wants to do what’s best for the organization.
“I mean, that’s the trick, right?” Douglas said. “That’s the magic trick, so to speak, is to try to make sure that Zach’s in a good spot, but also doing what’s right for the New York Jets. So that’s the line we’re walking.”
Owner Woody Johnson said last month at the owners meetings that they would keep Wilson on the roster if they can’t find a trading partner. If the Jets release him, the cap hit would be the same as if he is on the roster — $11.2 million. Retaining Wilson until training camp seems unlikely because of the awkwardness.
Douglas said he is on the same page as Johnson, calling Wilson “an asset,” but he stopped short of saying he will be on the team if there’s no trade.
“I mean, look, we’re still in April,” Douglas said. “Training camp is months away, so there’s a chance for a lot of different things. I’m not going to get into what’s going to happen.”
Johnson may have hurt Wilson’s trade value in February, telling reporters they “didn’t have a backup last season.” Wilson replaced the injured Rodgers in Week 1 but eventually was benched as the offense sputtered. In three seasons, Wilson is 12-21 as a starter, with 23 touchdown passes and 25 interceptions.
