Three Likely Trade Destinations For Zach Wilson

It is no secret – the New York Jets are looking to move on from embattled quarterback Zach Wilson.

Wilson, selected second overall in the 2021 NFL Draft, came into last season as the backup to Aaron Rodgers. When Rodgers suffered a torn Achilles that ended his season just minutes into it began, Wilson was thrust back into the starting role.

Much like his previous two seasons, Wilson put up lackluster numbers in 2023. In 12 games, he passed for 2,271 yards in addition to just eight touchdown passes and seven interceptions. The Jets’ terrible offensive line didn’t help out Wilson either – but multiple seasons of being unable to elevate the play of the team is why Gang Green no longer seems committed long-term to the player once seen as a possible savior of the franchise.

With the Jets allowing Wilson to seek a trade last month, and rumors swirling about what team he will end up with next, here are three of the best landing spots for the talented-but-inconsistent quarterback.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Backup quarterbacks are a necessity in the current NFL climate. Sixteen starting quarterbacks missed time in 2023, meaning that having an experienced backup is vital. The Buccaneers depth chart in this regard is not great Kyle Trask has 10 career pass attempts. John Wolford has thrown five interceptions and just one touchdown pass in seven career games. Wilson has had a rough start to his NFL journey, but he has more experience and upside than either of the two quarterbacks mentioned above.

Kansas City Chiefs

Besides Patrick Mahomes, the only other two quarterbacks on the Chiefs roster are Ian Book and Chris Oladokun. Book has 20 pass attempts and Oladokun has yet to see playing time in his career. Like the Buccaneers situation, Wilson would give Kansas City a more experienced and talented backup. Mahomes is also arguably the most valuable player in the league – should he get hurt, having a more reliable and seasoned quarterback behind him in the depth chart remains even more vital.

Minnesota Vikings

Now this would be fun – two former Jets draft picks vying for a starting job? Sam Darnold as of now projected to be the starter for the Vikings in 2024. Jaren Hall and Nick Mullens are still on the roster. But one can dream, right? Two players with so much to prove battling it out in training camp would be fun to think about, not taking into account the numerous roadblocks that would prevent this from happening. Head coach Kevin O’Connell may want to draft a quarterback – but why not take a chance on the talented former BYU product?