Back to Secondary Status for Zach Wilson

Jets' head coach Robert Saleh said the former No. 2 overall draft pick is the team's No. 2 quarterback heading into 2023

The New York Jets have yet to acquire their QB1, but Zach Wilson has already been labeled as QB2.

As Jets' fans patiently wait for the Aaron Rodgers trade to materialize, head coach Robert Saleh provided an update on the 23-year old Wilson.

“I’ve been in contact with Zach since the end of the season,” said Saleh while addressing reporters at the NFL Owners’ Meetings on Monday. “I think he’s in a great mental state. I know he’s been working his butt off back home."

As for Wilson’s current position in the Jets’ quarterback hierarchy, Saleh confirmed, “He’s our No. 2.”

Having yet to meet the expectations that come with being the second overall draft pick in 2021, Wilson has gone from franchise quarterback status to sideline clipboard holder.

Over 22 career starts, the physically-gifted Wilson has accounted for a below-average 55.2 completion percentage while throwing 15 touchdown passes to 18 interceptions.

Wilson, who owns an 8-14 record as the Jets’ starting signal caller, finished with more touchdown passes than interceptions in only two of nine starts last year. The former BYU Cougar passed for 121 yards or fewer four times in 2022 (44.4 percent of games).

Jets' head coach Robert Saleh hugs QB Zach Wilson :: Kevin R. Wexler / USA TODAY NETWORK

Despite a tumultuous 2022 season, during which some teammates apparently politicked for Mike White to start over the struggling second-year quarterback, Saleh said he isn’t giving up on developing Wilson.

"I really still think Zach has a future in this league to be a really good quarterback,” said Saleh. “He has the work ethic. He has the mindset. We’re counting on him to be a fixture for a while.”

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