New York Jets players haven’t had much to say about Zach Wilson’s departure
On Monday, the New York Jets traded quarterback Zach Wilson to the Denver Broncos. However, as the chapter closes on his tenure with the team, we haven’t seen any of his former teammates publicly encourage the former second-overall pick from the 2021 NFL draft.
In fact, only cornerback D.J. Reed has mentioned Zach’s departure. Even that only came in response to backlash for a post where Reed talked about taking Wilson’s now-available jersey number.
Should I change my # to 2 or keep 4?
— DJ Reed (@D7_Reed) April 22, 2024
The Jets cornerback posted clarification an hour later, mentioning his former teammate.
I ain’t mean it like that in a malicious way or anything, this is just how the business goes, players leave. I was just thinking out loud, I love Zach, great dude, & he’s going to ball with change of scenery💯.
— DJ Reed (@D7_Reed) April 22, 2024
Outside of that, there has been nothing but radio silence on the former Jets quarterback’s departure.
C.J Uzomah (now with the Philadelphia Eagles), who lived two doors down from Wilson and once referred to the Jets quarterback as “little brother,” did not feel obliged to give public well-wishes to his former teammate.
Even Sam Darnold—who experienced a similar lack of success during his tenure with the Jets—had teammates vocalize regarding his departure. In fact, some of them (such as Marcus Maye and Robbie Anderson) were upset about his departure.
Seeing how events have transpired for the Jets since 2021, this isn’t as surprising as it may seem.
After a disappointing rookie season by Zach Wilson and the Jets, things didn’t improve in 2022.
Despite the Jets having a 6-4 record, Wilson was benched after losing to the New England Patriots—a game featuring the BYU product completing just nine passes. In stepped Mike White, who led the Jets to a 31-10 win over the Chicago Bears. Thus, the Mike White Era was born.
wait for it… pic.twitter.com/YBki8Onpoi
— New York Jets (@nyjets) December 3, 2022
Since then, Wilson has had various opportunities to live up to his draft capital. Instead, Jets fans (and players) have been subject to some of the worst quarterback play in the league as their head coach continued to suggest he gave the team the best chance to win.
"He's fired up."
Coach Saleh on QB Zach Wilson pic.twitter.com/8aD2ggbZft
— New York Jets (@nyjets) December 6, 2023
Fair or not, public comments like these while the team’s season was spiraling likely didn’t sit well with Jets players. And now, we’re seeing likely those sentiments (or a lack thereof) appear in real-time.
This is a story about there being no story though. I don’t think this is an addition-by-subtraction case. I know people had very strong opinions on him but I don’t think the Jets are a better team after getting rid of him. He sure wasn’t good last year but I think he still put up the best numbers at QB last year.
I think there was a remote chance that he would have developed by watching Rodgers. I think there’s a far smaller chance that they get someone in the 6th round that turns into something more valuable.