Can Zach Wilson still become an NFL star? QB's future in doubt as Jets near Aaron Rodgers trade
New York Jets quarterback Zach Wilson has looked like a bust so far, but that doesn't mean he can't morph into a star down the road.
The Jets could've drafted Trevor Lawrence instead of Wilson. During the 2020 season, the team almost finished with the league's worst record. However, after picking up two late-season wins, they missed out on receiving the top pick in the 2021 NFL draft.
The 1-15 Jacksonville Jaguars ended up with the worst record and landed the coveted top pick. They, of course, selected Lawrence, who has turned out to be a franchise QB, leading the Jags to the playoffs last season.
Meanwhile, the Jets drafted Wilson second overall. The former BYU star played 13 games as a rookie, throwing for 2,334 yards, nine touchdowns and 11 interceptions.
Zach Wilson is getting booed by Jets fans 😬 https://t.co/uCB8VK5gDn
Last season, Wilson appeared in nine games, producing 1,688 passing yards, six touchdowns and seven interceptions. He battled injuries, was benched twice and was even booed off the field during a 19-3 loss to the Jaguars. Wilson was replaced in that game by former practice squad quarterback Chris Streveler.
Wilson had a 28.2 QBR as a rookie, which increased to 36.4 last season. These are worrying numbers for an aspiring quarterback, and with the Jets nearing a blockbuster Aaron Rodgers trade, it feels like his time is up. If the Rodgers deal happens, it's unclear whether Wilson will serve as his backup or be traded to another team.
Zach Wilson could eventually develop into a star with another franchise. It's definitely a possibility. Sometimes all a player needs is a change of scenery in order to turn the corner and live up to their potential.
A trade could change Zach Wilson's fortunes
If Wilson is traded, he probably won't go to a team where he's asked to be the starter right off the bat. Yet, he could ultimately replace an injured starter or take over for one who struggles. This, realistically, is his best chance to change the narrative and rebuild his reputation.
At times, Zach Wilson has shown flashes of becoming a star. A great example is his performance against the New England Patriots last season (22-17 loss on October 30). He threw for a career-high 355 yards, which is definitely not a bust-like stat.
Overrated #BYU QB playing in first 5 NFL games appears to be a bust and will amount to nothing.
STEVE YOUNG (1 W 4 L)
51/131 658yds 2 INT 6 TD
ZACH WILSON (1 W 4 L)
98/171 1,117yds 4 INT 9 TD https://t.co/MFEcPDqqWl
Hall of Famer and fellow BYU product Steve Young was once labeled a bust early in his career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Yet, he later emerged as an elite quarterback as a member of the San Francisco 49ers.
While Wilson isn't the next Steve Young, he surely has a chance to turn things around in the right situation. We will just have to wait and see which team gives him a chance in the future.