Zach Wilson likely will be playing for a new team next season — but which one?
On Wednesday, New York Jets general manager Joe Douglas confirmed the team permitted Wilson and his agent to seek a trade. “We’ve given them permission to talk to other teams about a trade,” Douglas said at the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine.
Wilson’s Jets tenure obviously has been a failure, but the 2021 No. 2 overall pick could be an intriguing option for other teams. Let’s look at two in particular.
Why the Los Angeles Rams Would Be a Good Fit for Zach Wilson
There’s no way that any franchise enters next season planning for Wilson to be its starting quarterback. He’s a broken QB, one who racked up 25 interceptions in 33 starts over the last three seasons.
That’s why Wilson needs to go to a team that will enable him to spend next season clearing his head and learning what it takes to succeed in the NFL. If Wilson proves himself, perhaps he gets another chance to start down the road.
That’s what Wilson should’ve experienced with the Jets in 2023, but Aaron Rodgers’ season-ending injury threw New York’s campaign into chaos. Now, Wilson must go elsewhere to undergo career rehab. And the Los Angeles Rams might be the best option.
With Sean McVay in charge, the Rams have the kind of stable, well-coached program that Wilson needs. If nothing else, he’d be able to practice in one of the most forward-thinking offenses in the game.
Wilson could also back up Matthew Stafford, who has two years remaining on his current contract. Once Los Angeles is ready to go in another direction, Wilson may get a shot to author a Geno Smith-like redemption story.
Why the Chiefs Would Be a Good Fit for Wilson
Obviously, Wilson wouldn’t join the Kansas City Chiefs with any hopes of being a full-time starter. That job will belong to Patrick Mahomes for the foreseeable future, barring injury.
But there’s no shame in being a quality backup behind an all-time great quarterback. Brian Hoyer made a lot of money as Tom Brady’s longtime backup, after all.
Wilson would be able to learn from Mahomes and follow the guidance of Andy Reid, who now might be the best head coach in football. The Chiefs have become an updated version of the dynasty-era New England Patriots, with consistent, dependable leadership offering a welcoming environment for embattled NFL players.
KEEP READING: New York Jets Free Agency Predictions 2024
Wilson’s game also would be a perfect fit. Nicknamed “Mormon Mahomes” in college, Wilson’s schoolyard style of play would enable the Chiefs to run similar players in the event he’s forced to replace an injured Mahomes.
Joining the Chiefs would put a major dent in Wilson’s dreams of being an NFL starter. But if he’s willing to reset his expectations, Kansas City would be an ideal landing spot.
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