Report: Zach Wilson ‘reluctant’ to step back in for Jets
New York Jets quarterback Zach Wilson throws during warmups before an NFL game against the Cincinnati Bengals at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 25, 2022. Credit: Danielle Parhizkaran/NorthJersey.com / USA TODAY NETWORK
The New York Jets are reportedly open to giving Zach Wilson another chance to start this season, but the former first-round pick may not be interested.
Dianna Russini and Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic reported on Monday that the Jets are leaning towards handing the offense back over to Wilson following two uninspiring starts from Tim Boyle. However, Wilson is said to be “reluctant” to play.
The Jets want to make a switch at QB. The team is leaning towards Zach Wilson to take over, but he is reluctant to stepping back in, sources tell @zackBlatt and me. The team is discussing next steps. More on @theathletic shortly.
— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) December 4, 2023
Wilson was benched during New York’s 32-6 loss to the Buffalo Bills in Week 11. The Jets announced a few days later that Boyle would start in Week 12. Not only that, but they completely demoted Wilson by making Trevor Siemian the primary backup behind Boyle.
Boyle made his second consecutive start in Sunday’s game against the Atlanta Falcons, but he was benched for Siemian after throwing an interception. Neither quarterback was able to provide a spark in the Jets’ 13-8 loss.
If Wilson is thinking about refusing to play, that would likely signal that he wants the Jets to move on from him. Wilson knows Aaron Rodgers is set to return as New York’s starter next season if not sooner, and he may feel that the Jets are hurting his development.
Of course, not accepting an assignment would reflect poorly on Wilson, regardless of how he feels about the team. His stock is already low enough with the way things have gone since the Jets drafted him. Bailing on the team in the middle of the season is probably not the best way for Wilson to show another team that he is worthy of being given a shot.
