Why Jets Owner Woody Johnson Refuses to Cut Zach Wilson

The New York Jets have yet to trade beleaguered quarterback Zach Wilson and owner Woody Johnson says cutting the former No. 2 overall draft pick is not an option.

New York Jets v Miami Dolphins / Brandon Sloter/GettyImages

The New York Jets' bargaining power has dwindled when it comes to finding a trade partner for quarterback Zach Wilson.

Seemingly no longer a part of the team's plans moving forward, Wilson is on his way out the door but the Jets are reportedly struggling to find a landing spot for the former No. 2 overall draft pick.

According to Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio, "the Jets have gotten trade offers for Wilson." The serial gossiper cites a source that claimed "they don’t like the offers they’ve gotten" and are "waiting for something better."

Florio's source suggests Jets' team owner Woody Johnson, who spoke to reporters at the league meetings in Orlando on Monday, has prevented a potential trade from happening up until this point.

"I feel badly about Zach in some ways, because last year it would have been the first time he could just sit back and watch a master [Aaron Rodgers] at work. He's never had that. He's been in the fire since Day 1. He needs to be in a place where he can observe for a while," said Johnson while addressing a media scrum.

With the offense mired in a funk, the Jets benched Wilson for the second year in a row this past fall. The former BYU star has accounted for 23 touchdown passes and 25 interceptions over 34 appearances as a pro.

"He's got the skill. He can do everything," said Johnson. "There's a reason why we drafted him at No. 2 overall. I have confidence that he'll get there at some point."

Aside from Johnson's comments, it seems as if Wilson will not have the opportunity to redeem himself with the Jets, who signed veteran Tyron Taylor to back up Rodgers. Still, the team owner showed no interest in releasing the beleaguered quarterback if unable to find a trade partner.

"If we don't trade him, we're going to keep him. From his standpoint, it's probably better if he changes faces and gets to a new place. He can wipe the slate clean," said Johnson. "I'm not gonna speculate. Zach is a valuable asset. He really is. I said it would be better for him, but, no, we're just not going to release him."

With former New England Patriots' first-round quarterback Mac Jones going to Jacksonville in exchange for a 2024 sixth-round selection, the Jets would be fortunate to receive a Day 3 pick for Wilson.