New York Jets and Zach Wilson agree to terms on rookie contract

The conclusion of a grueling saga

At long last, the Zach Wilson contract drama has come to an end.

According to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, Wilson and the New York Jets came to an agreement on Thursday.

It’s done: The #Jets and first-round rookie Zach Wilson have agreed to terms, source said. He gets his signing bonus within 15 days, NYJ gets its offset.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 29, 2021

The two sides came to a happy compromise. Wilson will get his $22.9 million signing bonus within 15 days. Joe Douglas and the Jets will get to keep the offset language in Wilson’s contract, which promises them compensation in the event that they release Wilson (and he clears waivers) prior to the conclusion of his contract.

Wilson’s rookie contract is a four-year, $35.1 million deal with a fifth-year team option. The total value currently places him 17th among quarterbacks. His projected 2021 cap number is $6.4 million, according to Spotrac. It’s a number that ranks him 27th among quarterbacks.

Just about an hour prior to the announcement of the deal, head coach Robert Saleh said that Wilson had missed “two days too many already.”

Robert Saleh on Zach Wilson still not being at camp:

"It's two days too many already. This young man has a chance to do something special around here, every rep matters" pic.twitter.com/OPusGnetNk

— Jets Videos (@snyjets) July 29, 2021

James Morgan, Mike White held the fort down

James Morgan and Mike White shared the spotlight in Wilson’s absence. The two young quarterbacks practiced to mixed results.

Morgan threw a pick-six on a pass intended for Corey Davis on Thursday, courtesy of rookie cornerback Brandin Echols.

James Morgan intercepted by rookie CB Brandin Echols, who takes it back for a score. Ball intended for Corey Davis.

— Ethan Greenberg (@EGreenbergJets) July 29, 2021

White hit Jamison Crowder for a solid gain.

Mike White hits an open Jamison Crowder for a chunk gain. Nice throw.

— Ethan Greenberg (@EGreenbergJets) July 29, 2021

Morgan and White have combined for zero regular-season appearances in their NFL careers.

If healthy, Morgan will make his first-ever preseason appearance after last year’s preseason schedule was scrapped. White played eight preseason games with the Cowboys from 2018-19.

What’s next for Josh Johnson, Sean Mannion?

The Jets had planned to bring in veteran quarterbacks Josh Johnson and Sean Mannion for workouts on Thursday. New York could absolutely use one of the two passers considering the lack of experience between Morgan and White.

It remains to be seen whether their interest in Johnson and Mannion was a safety net for Wilson’s absence or if they are still motivated to add one of the two into the backup quarterback competition.

Wayne Chrebet on the Zach Wilson contract situation

The Underdog Jets Podcast recently discussed the situation prior to Wilson’s reported signing. While Wayne Chrebet admitted fan frustration was understandable, he also made it known that no player should be counting another player’s money.

Considering a near-identical contract dispute was experienced with Sam Darnold a few years ago, this one should be soon forgotten as well, as the BYU rookie missed just two training camp practices up to this point.