Cimini: Jets' plan for Zach Wilson is highly unusual, could lead to future trade

[Bronx]

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- A look at what's happening around the New York Jets:

1. Cloudy future: The Jets are bucking an NFL trend with their plan for quarterback Zach Wilson. Team officials have been steadfast in saying, despite two disappointing seasons, they want to retain and develop Wilson behind a proven starter they have yet to add. General manager Joe Douglas reiterated that stance this week at the scouting combine, saying they "still feel strongly" that Wilson will hit his "very high ceiling."

Thing is, it's highly unusual for a highly drafted quarterback to begin his career as a starter and then transition to a long-term backup role on the same team. The last first-round quarterback (taken 16th overall in 2013) to get that treatment was the Buffalo Bills' EJ Manuel, an opening-day starter in his first two seasons (2013-14) who spent his final two-and-a-half seasons in Buffalo as a backup. It also happened to Robert Griffin III (drafted No. 2 overall in 2012), a three-year starter for Washington before getting a permanent seat on the bench in 2015. Neither player became an established starter elsewhere.

Wilson will be relegated to long-term backup duty if the Jets sign Derek Carr, still young in quarterback years (he turns 32 on March 28). The situation could be different if they trade for the 39-year-old Aaron Rodgers, perhaps a two-year fix, but it's hardly a guarantee that Wilson would return to a starting role in 2025. By then, he'd be a free agent, assuming his fifth-year option (2025) isn't exercised. Either way, his future with the Jets appears mostly cloudy.

This week, coach Robert Saleh spoke for the first time of a Jets future that doesn't include Wilson.

"Whether we bring in a guy who’s in his early 30s and you know he’s going to be here for a while, the focus is to just help [Wilson] get better, as best as he can," Saleh said. "If his best gets to be showcased here as a New York Jet, awesome. If not, it’s still awesome because all we want is what’s best for him and his development, no different than any other player on our roster."

There's a business aspect to this, of course. Right now, Wilson, the No. 2 overall pick in 2021, is a depreciated asset. If his value increases at some point over the next year or so -- a promising preseason, perhaps -- the Jets can trade him with the hope of recouping at least some of their original investment. That makes more sense than developing him and letting him walk in 2025, receiving no compensation. We'll know more in the coming weeks as the QB dust settles.

2. Crowded QB room: Saleh indicated the Jets are open to re-signing Mike White, a pending free agent, but White could have better opportunities elsewhere as a clear-cut QB2. That won't be possible with the Jets as long as Wilson is on the roster.

3. The players speak: The NFL Players' Association conducted a leaguewide survey that graded working conditions for each team. Let's just say the Jets didn't receive a report card worthy of a refrigerator display. Players rated their respective teams in eight categories. The Jets' grades ranged from C- (food service/nutrition) to B (strength coaches and training staff). Overall, they finished 19th.

"The player respondents don't feel like the coaching staff is efficient with their time as they are routinely at the facilities much later than other teams in the league," the NFLPA said of the Jets, adding that longer hours aren't correlated to winning.

Defending his work-day schedule, Saleh said, "Selfishly, I’d say it’s in line with about 10 other teams that I communicate with on a daily basis, but again, if it’s a challenge from our players, I’ll definitely always take a look at myself. I’ll look inward to see if we can make things a little bit better."

4. Feel the draft: Offensive line might be the Jets' biggest need (aside from QB), so they could take an offensive tackle with the 13th pick. The consensus top three are Peter Skoronski (Northwestern), Paris Johnson Jr. (Ohio State) and Broderick Jones (Georgia). There's a decent chance that at least one will be available. Anton Harrison (Oklahoma) and Darnell Wright (Tennessee) are pushing to get in the top group.

In a perfect world, you have to believe the Jets would like to bolster the offense, which finished 29th in scoring, but what happens if the top tackles are gone? Do they pivot to tight end? It's a really strong class, but that's high for a tight end. Wide receiver? They invested three high picks on receivers in the last three drafts, so that might be overkill.

In this case, they could turn to defensive tackle. It can't be ruled out if there's value on their board, considering they have only two tackles under contract -- Quinnen Williams and Tanzel Smart. Saleh and Douglas want to be strong on both sides of the line. When in doubt, they will go with a big man.

5. Jersey boy: If the Jets don't address their center need in free agency, they might be able to draft a player from their own backyard -- Ohio State's Luke Wypler, who attended St. Joseph Regional High School in Montvale, New Jersey. He's the No. 3 prospect at center, according to ESPN draft analysts Matt Miller and Jordan Reid.

Wypler grew up a serious Jets fan, so serious that he named his dog "Chez," after former quarterback Mark Sanchez. An admirer of former center Nick Mangold (a former Ohio State standout), Wypler wore Mangold's No. 74 during his high school career. His closet included jerseys from his favorite players, notably Darrelle Revis and Brett Favre.

Being drafted by the Jets "would be a childhood dream come true," Wypler told ESPN. "It would be so surreal to play for the Jets. They were my team growing up."

Sound familiar? Tight end Jeremy Ruckert went from a childhood Jets fan in Lindenhurst, New York, to Ohio State to Jets draft pick in 2022.

Wypler (6-foot-3, 300 pounds) is known for his movement skills. As he said, "I tell people that I'm an athlete who plays offensive line." And he plays center because "I like to be in charge." He's projected as a second- or third-round pick, which could be the sweet spot for teams in the market for a center.

6. Comp-liments: Scouts always like to use player comps when evaluating prospects, so it was interesting to hear NFL Network draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah mention two players on the Jets' roster when describing prospects.

Speaking of Skoronski, Jeremiah said, "He reminds me a lot of Alijah Vera-Tucker. Remember with Vera-Tucker, the talk when he was coming out (in 2021) was, is he a guard? Is he a tackle? It turns out he can do whatever the heck you want him to do. He is really, really good."

Commenting on Georgia defensive tackle Jalen Carter, Jeremiah said, "I think he's better than Quinnen Williams coming out (in 2019), and I loved Quinnen Williams. So that's the type of player you're getting." (Jeremiah made his comments before Carter's legal issues came to light.)

That the Jets have players worthy of comparison is a sign of progress, right?

7. Historic performance: Wide receiver Garrett Wilson has received plenty of accolades, including NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. You will have a greater appreciation of his 83-catch, 1,103-yard season after digesting this:

Wilson's primary quarterback was Zach Wilson, who led the Jets with a mere six touchdown passes. None of the previous 22 rookie wide receivers to reach 1,000 yards played on a team where the leading quarterback had as few as six scoring passes in that season. In that respect, you could make the argument that no one had it tougher than Garrett Wilson.

The next-closest was the 1986 Indianapolis Colts, which had rookie Bill Brooks (1,131 yards) and quarterback Jack Trudeau (eight TD passes). In case you're wondering, Brooks didn't win OROY. It went to future Pro Football Hall of Famer Eric Dickerson of the Los Angeles Rams.

8. This explains a lot: Seven different players have started at quarterback for the Jets since the start of 2018. None of them has had a winning record or a QBR above 50, which is considered league average. And that's why they're trying so hard to upgrade the position.

9. Rodger that: Maybe no one else finds this interesting, but the name of Carr's father is Rodger Carr. Less common than "Roger," it makes you think of Aaron Rodgers, who will be forever linked with Derek Carr because of what has been unfolding the past couple of weeks.

10. The last word: "Duane is a freaking rock star, man." -- Saleh on left tackle Duane Brown, 37, who is back in the weight room after playing last season with a torn rotator cuff that was recently repaired.

[Rich Thornburgh]

cut

[T0mShane]

They’re gonna end up trading him in the middle of the night after June 1 and hope nobody notices. It’s the humane thing to do. The tell will be who else they bring in at QB with Rodgers. Could see them sneaking a draft pick into the building in round four or so, or throwing a veteran minimum deal at Hoyer again.

[Bronx]

3 minutes ago, T0mShane said:

They’re gonna end up trading him in the middle of the night after June 1 and hope nobody notices. It’s the humane thing to do. The tell will be who else they bring in at QB with Rodgers. Could see them sneaking a draft pick into the building in round four or so, or throwing a veteran minimum deal at Hoyer again.

Who wants this garbage?

[Rich Thornburgh]

3 minutes ago, T0mShane said:

They’re gonna end up trading him in the middle of the night after June 1 and hope nobody notices. It’s the humane thing to do. The tell will be who else they bring in at QB with Rodgers. Could see them sneaking a draft pick into the building in round four or so, or throwing a veteran minimum deal at Hoyer again.

1. nobody wants him

2. pretty sure there's a cap hit if they trade or cut him

3. say hello to Zach Wilson week 5 starter if we don't get Rodgers or Carr

[T0mShane]

1 minute ago, Rich Thornburgh said:

1. nobody wants him

2. pretty sure there's a cap hit if they trade or cut him

3. say hello to Zach Wilson week 5 starter if we don't get Rodgers or Carr

There’s less that $12 mil dead cap on him spread out over 23 and 24. They get a $3.8mm cap savings for 23 and save (I believe) $5.5mm in 24. He’s cheap and has some talent. The Niners might get to June with one healthy QB on the roster, and even that dude is coming off a catastrophic leg injury. 

[Rich Thornburgh]

2 minutes ago, T0mShane said:

There’s less that $12 mil dead cap on him spread out over 23 and 24. They get a $3.8mm cap savings for 23 and save (I believe) $5.5mm in 24. He’s cheap and has some talent. The Niners might get to June with one healthy QB on the roster, and even that dude is coming off a catastrophic leg injury. 

The problem is Zach Wilson has looked really bad and his attitude is even worse.  We barely got a second for Darnold and he looked significantly better his first couple years here with a way worse roster.  No one is offering north of a 4th round pick and JD will be looking like a total fool trading the second overall pick in the draft for a mid round pick.  

[TommyT]

The only team that makes sense would be Seattle, the land of misfit toys.

[maury77]

I think Saleh and co. should be less focused on what’s best for Zach and more focused on what’s best for the team. Every time they talk about Zach it sounds like they are talking about a child, it’s nauseating.

[Warfish]

I wanted Wypler before.

Now I want him more, lol.

 

[T0mShane]

12 minutes ago, Rich Thornburgh said:

The problem is Zach Wilson has looked really bad and his attitude is even worse.  We barely got a second for Darnold and he looked significantly better his first couple years here with a way worse roster.  No one is offering north of a 4th round pick and JD will be looking like a total fool trading the second overall pick in the draft for a mid round pick.  

Well, sure, but there’s also the Jets factor that otter coaches might attribute  at least some of Zach’s problems to, and feel like they could magically correct

[Rich Thornburgh]

Just now, T0mShane said:

Well, sure, but there’s also the Jets factor that otter coaches might attribute  at least some of Zach’s problems to, and feel like they could magically correct

I don't think there's a ton of respect for our coaching staff but there's even less respect for Zach Wilson.  

[Scott Dierking]

43 minutes ago, Bronx said:

 

 

3. The players speak: The NFL Players' Association conducted a leaguewide survey that graded working conditions for each team. Let's just say the Jets didn't receive a report card worthy of a refrigerator display. Players rated their respective teams in eight categories. The Jets' grades ranged from C- (food service/nutrition) to B (strength coaches and training staff). Overall, they finished 19th.

"The player respondents don't feel like the coaching staff is efficient with their time as they are routinely at the facilities much later than other teams in the league," the NFLPA said of the Jets, adding that longer hours aren't correlated to winning.

Defending his work-day schedule, Saleh said, "Selfishly, I’d say it’s in line with about 10 other teams that I communicate with on a daily basis, but again, if it’s a challenge from our players, I’ll definitely always take a look at myself. I’ll look inward to see if we can make things a little bit better."

 

Been saying this for years. The Jets lag in infrastructure and analytics to body conditioning and resiliency to stress of the game. It is a science and an investment. 

The Jets rank this low AFTER Douglas came in and mandated that they make some investment in this area.

[hmhertz]

Cut him he is a waste of roster space. Every QB at the

Combine was a better thrower than him, including the

two  guys they used to save the prospects arms. The best

was Stroud. The kind of  QB I want is a Jalen Hurts type.

Fortunately there is one in this year's group with a stronger

arm and better size Dorian Thompson - Robinson

QB velocity readings-

NFL Combine Fastest Velocity: -Dorian Thompson-Robinson: 62 MPH -Tom Brady at age 41: 61 MPH -Anthony Richardson: 60 MPH -CJ Stroud: 59 MPH -Stetson Bennett: 59 MPH -Will Levis: 59 MPH

[section314]

Typical lazy piece by Cimini. Point#7 ….Eric Dickerson was drafted in 1983. Impossible to Win OROY in 1986. How does one get a job like this and actually have people follow what you say?

[rangerous]

54 minutes ago, Warfish said:

I wanted Wypler before.

Now I want him more, lol.

 

It’s kind of nice when a player is actually a fan of the team that drafts him. Here’s to hoping he’s good enough and at least wear one of mangolds shoes.

[TeachMeHowtoDouglas]

I still think the smart move is to keep him and try to build up his value on the bench like the Packers have with Jordan Love. 
 

 

[Augustiniak]

1 hour ago, Rich Thornburgh said:

I don't think there's a ton of respect for our coaching staff but there's even less respect for Zach Wilson.  

When douglas traded darnold the perception was that the jets coaches ruined him and that he would be good elsewhere.  That’s not the case with wilson.

[Augustiniak]

9 minutes ago, TeachMeHowtoDouglas said:

I still think the smart move is to keep him and try to build up his value on the bench like the Packers have with Jordan Love. 
 

 

It’s the only move and that’s what the jets realize.

[talonmm]

1 hour ago, maury77 said:

I think Saleh and co. should be less focused on what’s best for Zach and more focused on what’s best for the team. Every time they talk about Zach it sounds like they are talking about a child, it’s nauseating.

Actions speak louder than words (especially since JD and Salah always seems to know the right things to say).  The way the Jets have been focusing on acquiring Rodgers or Carr, and basically have given up on Wilson says  a lot.

[T0mShane]

3 minutes ago, Augustiniak said:

When douglas traded darnold the perception was that the jets coaches ruined him and that he would be good elsewhere.  That’s not the case with wilson.

How do we know that’s not the case with Wilson? Two years ago, the Niners and Eagles were desperately trying to trade up for him.

[Jet_Engine1]

I can't wait for the time when I don't have to read about or look at that Bitch ever again. Just GTFO

 

[The Crusher]

42 minutes ago, Jet_Engine1 said:

I can't wait for the time when I don't have to read about or look at that Bitch ever again. Just GTFO

 

When did you guys start dating? Only asking because you sound like me talking about my ex wife waiting for  my youngest  daughters 18th birthday. 

[32EBoozer]

1 hour ago, Scott Dierking said:

The Jets lag in infrastructure and analytics to body conditioning and resiliency to stress of the game. It is a science and an investment.

Infrastructure? Can you be more specific? I didn’t see anything related to infrastructure mentioned. 
It all appears to be management related. Nutrition, Time Mngmt & Training Regimen 

[Augustiniak]

8 minutes ago, T0mShane said:

How do we know that’s not the case with Wilson? Two years ago, the Niners and Eagles were desperately trying to trade up for him.

Bc I’m guessing that if douglas could swap wilson for a 2nd and 4th or 5th he would have done it already.

[Flashlite80]

The Jets are in a unique position with Zach.  They have failed, miserably, at correcting his mechanics.  They have failed, miserably, at assembling an offensive line that can give him anything better than consistently lousy protection.  Because of this, there are competent offensive guru's who would like a chance to work with Zach on a cheap contract.  Whether he can be fixed is less important than the embarrassment if another team gets his footwork right and gives him the consistent time he needs and he plays better.

Zach has been lousy but no quarterback is good under constant pressure.  Mahomes looked very human in the Super Bowl when his offensive line failed him.  I watched Peyton Manning, in a playoff game against the Jets, look terrible because they sacked him twice in the first quarter and pressured him all day.  The unstoppable Buffalo offense under Jim Kelly was stymied by a Giants pass rush in a historic Super Bowl upset.  Josh Allen was unstoppable until the Jets pressured him into his worst game of the year.  The common denominator of great quarterback play is solid protection.  Few quarterbacks play well without it, especially young quarterbacks.  They get happy feet and start looking for the rush instead of staying focused on their downfield reads.  Bad footwork, missing reads, sound familiar?

[T0mShane]

6 minutes ago, Augustiniak said:

Bc I’m guessing that if douglas could swap wilson for a 2nd and 4th or 5th he would have done it already.

Wilson is the only QB on the roster at current, and there’s no rush to trade him.

[Augustiniak]

7 minutes ago, T0mShane said:

Wilson is the only QB on the roster at current, and there’s no rush to trade him.

No rush to trade him b/c there’s no market for him and they can’t get anything of value for him.  Odds are he won’t be on the 2024 roster.  They’ll get Rodgers or carr, that guy plays in 2023, and then they draft another guy in 2024 to groom.  

[Maynard13]

47 minutes ago, hmhertz said:

Cut him he is a waste of roster space. Every QB at the

Combine was a better thrower than him, including the

two  guys they used to save the prospects arms. The best

was Stroud. The kind of  QB I want is a Jalen Hurts type.

Fortunately there is one in this year's group with a stronger

arm and better size Dorian Thompson - Robinson

QB velocity readings-

NFL Combine Fastest Velocity: -Dorian Thompson-Robinson: 62 MPH -Tom Brady at age 41: 61 MPH -Anthony Richardson: 60 MPH -CJ Stroud: 59 MPH -Stetson Bennett: 59 MPH -Will Levis: 59 MPH

YES. This is the guy I want. And I believe he'd be there in round 3. Sign Rodgers or whoever they can and develop DTR for a few years.  He has all the tools, speed, good arm, good awareness and he transformed UCLA back into a respectable collegiate power. Really dangerous in the red zone. Quick accurate thrower. can make all the throws.  I'd defiantly jump and sprint to the podium to get this guy.  If you notice, he doesn't have happy feet and stays in the pocket and most importantly, doesn't run around like a squirrel back there.  Check out the run at 7:50 Shades of Steve Young crazy run. And get his Bobo too.

 

[Bronx]

28 minutes ago, Jet_Engine1 said:

I can't wait for the time when I don't have to read about or look at that Bitch ever again. Just GTFO

 

Just one more time...

 

[Bronx]

57 minutes ago, hmhertz said:

Cut him he is a waste of roster space. Every QB at the

Combine was a better thrower than him, including the

two  guys they used to save the prospects arms. The best

was Stroud. The kind of  QB I want is a Jalen Hurts type.

Fortunately there is one in this year's group with a stronger

arm and better size Dorian Thompson - Robinson

QB velocity readings-

NFL Combine Fastest Velocity: -Dorian Thompson-Robinson: 62 MPH -Tom Brady at age 41: 61 MPH -Anthony Richardson: 60 MPH -CJ Stroud: 59 MPH -Stetson Bennett: 59 MPH -Will Levis: 59 MPH

Good find.

[Jet Nut]

18 minutes ago, Maynard13 said:

YES. This is the guy I want. And I believe he'd be there in round 3. Sign Rodgers or whoever they can and develop DTR for a few years.  He has all the tools, speed, good arm, good awareness and he transformed UCLA back into a respectable collegiate power. Really dangerous in the red zone. Quick accurate thrower. can make all the throws.  I'd defiantly jump and sprint to the podium to get this guy.  If you notice, he doesn't have happy feet and stays in the pocket and most importantly, doesn't run around like a squirrel back there.  Check out the run at 7:50 Shades of Steve Young crazy run. 

 

All too familiar, just with an average arm:

SCOUTING REPORT: WEAKNESSES

Very ordinary arm, though there is room for improvement with better technique. Lacks strength to stretch the field horizontally or vertically. 

• Throws too many passes flat-footed or without his feet being set.
• Thompson-Robinson has a bad habit of fading and throwing off his back foot when the pocket gets muddled, and Thompson-Robinson is too often all arm when throwing on the move, sacrificing accuracy.
• Inconsistent downfield passer

 

[The Crusher]

2 hours ago, Bronx said:

Who wants this garbage?

“One man’s garbage is smother man’s treasure. “ Ego’s are huge among NFL coaches, somebody will think they can unlock his supposed potential. That or we will quickly fined out who Phil Simms has pictures of diddling the family  pet,?

[Ron Rico]

The only way Zach is getting out of here before his current contract expires is if he retires and sits for a year, and then hope someone signs him for Joshua Dobbs money.

[Jet_Engine1]

42 minutes ago, Flashlite80 said:

The Jets are in a unique position with Sam.  They have failed, miserably, at correcting his mechanics.  They have failed, miserably, at assembling an offensive line that can give him anything better than consistently lousy protection.  Because of this, there are competent offensive guru's who would like a chance to work with Sam on a cheap contract.  Whether he can be fixed is less important than the embarrassment if another team gets his footwork right and gives him the consistent time he needs and he plays better.

Sam has been lousy but no quarterback is good under constant pressure.  Mahomes looked very human in the Super Bowl when his offensive line failed him.  I watched Peyton Manning, in a playoff game against the Jets, look terrible because they sacked him twice in the first quarter and pressured him all day.  The unstoppable Buffalo offense under Jim Kelly was stymied by a Giants pass rush in a historic Super Bowl upset.  Josh Allen was unstoppable until the Jets pressured him into his worst game of the year.  The common denominator of great quarterback play is solid protection.  Few quarterbacks play well without it, especially young quarterbacks.  They get happy feet and start looking for the rush instead of staying focused on their downfield reads.  Bad footwork, missing reads, sound familiar?

Fixed.