Latest by Zack Rosenblatt, Dianna Russini and Jeff Howe
The New York Jets are gearing up for a potential quarterback change, but their top choice is showing some hesitation. The team is leaning towards reintroducing Zach Wilson as the starter, but Wilson seems unsure about returning to the role, according to multiple team sources on Monday.
With a current record of 4-8, the Jets have yet to finalize their decision regarding the starting quarterback for the upcoming game against the Houston Texans on Sunday. They are hopeful that Wilson will reconsider, as a source familiar with Wilson’s thinking stated that he would agree to start if directly asked by the Jets.
Wilson, who was the second overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, regained his starting position with the Jets after their acquisition, Aaron Rodgers, was injured during Week 1. However, Wilson and the Jets’ offense faced numerous challenges, prompting Tim Boyle to be named the starter for the Week 12 game against the Miami Dolphins.
After two matches, Boyle’s performance fell short, resulting in his benching during Sunday’s Week 13 game against the Atlanta Falcons. The offense’s struggles also led to Wilson’s potential return to the field, following the 13-8 loss to the Falcons.
Despite his prior benching, Wilson has impressive career stats, and with the Jets’ need for offensive improvement, the team is hopeful that he will reconsider his decision. If Wilson accepts the role, he will need to continue to prove himself as the best fit for the team.
Additionally, the Jets have encountered difficulties in securing consistent offensive lineups, which has impacted the performance of their quarterbacks. The team’s issues with offensive line continuity have become a risk to the overall success of the team.