The New York Jets needed to make a huge decision on Zach Wilson, and it is what most had predicted. Wilson is no longer the starting quarterback, and Robert Saleh has decided to give Tim Boyle a chance.
It is worse for the 24-year-old play-caller that NFL veteran Trevor Siemian has been elevated as Boyle's backup, relegating Wilson as the Jets' third-string quarterback, raising questions about his future.
Read more: Aaron Rodgers' December Return: Why NFL Icon Should Not Rush Back Amid Jets' Struggles
Regardless of his demotion to being the third-string QB, Wilson appeared to have accepted his fate and was hardly surprised. He admitted before the media that while he felt he did everything on his end, the fact that it was not helping the Jets win games was more important.
Zach Wilson is asked what his reaction was to the news on Monday of finding out he was being benched: #Jets
— Harrison Glaser (@NYJetsTFMedia) November 21, 2023
“Not surprised. When you’re not scoring touchdowns consistently, & we’re letting our defense down, we’re not putting up points, what do you expect. You can sit there &… pic.twitter.com/W4B8OMvdLn
Zach Wilson managed to hand the Jets four wins when he was the starting quarterback. Now, Boyle will get his chance. Should he falter, the likely scenario is Siemian being the starting quarterback unless an improbable Aaron Rodgers NFL return happens this season.
But what does the future hold for Zach Wilson?
Wilson will get another chance to be the starting QB
Saleh told reporters that they had told Wilson their struggles were not just because of him, per ESPN. However, he did say that Wilson needs to improve his game, and this decision could motivate him to address his shortcomings.
Being benched is a huge thing, especially for a quarterback like Wilson. But if one looks back to last season, the same happened to him, per the Bleacher Report.
Hence, Wilson may still return as the starting quarterback at some point, whether this season or in the 2024-25 wars.
Wilson, at best, becomes the backup QB
For Wilson, the best approach he could do right now is to work his way up in the QB rotation. Boyle may follow his struggles, hinting that Siemian could get the starting QB job.
Boyle's performance will play a factor in this scenario. If he cannot take advantage of the opportunity, the likely scenario is being demoted to third-string quarterback behind Siemian and Wilson.
Wilson needs to do some soul-searching, review the plays again, and pay close attention to the execution of the Jets from the sidelines. Once he figures it out, all he has to do is wait and hope to get the vote of confidence of Saleh and the Jets' coaching staff to take the field once more.
Wilson could move out
With several teams needing quarterbacking help, Wilson could be best off playing for a new NFL team. However, this is on the premise that teams would be willing to take in his fully guaranteed contract.
He will enter the last year of his four-year rookie contract worth about $35 million in 2024. Wilson is due $9.31 million over the next two years, also fully guaranteed, according to NFL.com.
This is a plausible scenario, especially if Rodgers returns by mid-December or January 2024. A return by the four-time NFL MVP will further shake up things in New York, including the futures of Boyle, Siemian, and Wilson.
If that is the case, things could get trickier for Zach Wilson and his future in the NFL.
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