When the New York Jets selected Zach Wilson with the second overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, the hope was palpable. The Jets, a franchise long plagued by quarterback instability, finally had a quarterback of the future — or so they thought. Wilson, fresh off a standout season at BYU, was hailed for his incredible arm strength, mobility, and playmaking ability. But nearly three years into his NFL career, it’s safe to say that the story has not gone according to plan. Instead of emerging as the Jets’ long-awaited franchise quarterback, Wilson’s journey has been one of frustration, controversy, and an ongoing search for redemption.
The High Expectations and the Early Struggles
The Jets’ decision to select Wilson so high in the 2021 draft was not just about picking a player with raw talent. It was a signal to the fanbase — and to the NFL world — that the franchise was ready to take a bold step forward, away from its quarterback carousel of mediocrity. With his electric play at BYU, Wilson seemed to offer a new era of promise for a team desperate for stability at the most important position in football.
However, the transition to the NFL proved far more difficult than anyone anticipated.
In his rookie season, Wilson was immediately thrust into the starting role, but it quickly became apparent that he wasn’t yet ready for the speed and complexity of the pro game. The learning curve was steep. Wilson posted 9 touchdowns and 11 interceptions in 13 games and struggled with consistency. He flashed the potential that made him a top pick, but also showed why he wasn’t quite there yet — holding onto the ball too long, throwing ill-advised passes into tight coverage, and failing to lead the team in crucial moments. His rookie year ended with mixed reviews and a growing sense that maybe the Jets had swung and missed on their golden ticket.
Despite his struggles, the Jets didn’t give up on Wilson immediately. They hoped that the rough rookie year would lead to growth. But things only got more complicated.
Year Two: The Loss of Confidence
The 2022 season was, for many, a tipping point. After a few more lackluster performances, Wilson was benched in favor of Mike White, a former backup who had shown a glimmer of hope in his brief appearances. This wasn’t just about performance — it was about the lack of confidence the team had in Wilson. The Jets’ defense, one of the best in the league, kept them in playoff contention, but the offense couldn’t do enough to seal the deal.
Wilson was eventually reinstated as the starter, but the damage was done. The Jets had essentially hit the reset button on their young quarterback’s career, and Wilson faced intense media scrutiny. His inconsistent mechanics and poor decision-making continued to hinder his development. Fans started to grow weary of the cycle, asking: Is Wilson really the answer? Or is he just another Jets QB bust?
In fact, his most infamous moment came in a Week 11 loss to the New England Patriots, where Wilson threw 4 interceptions in a performance that was, in many ways, symbolic of his struggles. Adding fuel to the fire, Wilson’s post-game comments — where he appeared to deflect blame and not take responsibility for his poor play — only intensified the criticism.
While there were flashes of promise — notably his athleticism and the occasional deep throw — Wilson failed to show the poise and consistency needed to lead the Jets. A promising defense was being wasted by erratic quarterback play, and the team’s playoff hopes quickly evaporated.
The 2023 Season: Aaron Rodgers and the Backup Role
The Jets’ front office, recognizing their need to upgrade the quarterback position, made the bold move of acquiring Aaron Rodgers from the Green Bay Packers in the 2023 offseason. The trade sent shockwaves through the NFL, as Rodgers was widely regarded as one of the best quarterbacks of his generation and instantly elevated the Jets’ Super Bowl hopes.
For Wilson, this acquisition could have been a blessing in disguise — a chance to sit behind a future Hall of Famer, absorb his knowledge, and maybe, just maybe, rediscover his own game. But just four plays into the season, disaster struck. Rodgers suffered a season-ending Achilles injury, thrusting Wilson back into the starting role once again.
While the Jets’ defense remained elite, Wilson continued to show his inconsistency. His accuracy was still an issue, his decision-making still questionable, and his ability to manage the game was lacking. Despite moments of improvement, including a few solid performances, Wilson never seemed to settle into the role with the confidence needed to succeed. The Jets were once again stuck in quarterback limbo, unsure whether to give Wilson more chances or cut their losses.
Controversies Beyond the Field
It wasn’t just Wilson’s on-field struggles that made headlines. In the 2022 offseason, Wilson found himself at the center of a bizarre social media controversy. Rumors circulated about his relationship with multiple women, including his ex-teammate’s former girlfriend, which became fodder for tabloids and social media. While this personal drama didn’t directly affect his performance, it added to the narrative of chaos surrounding his time with the Jets.
In New York, where scrutiny is magnified, Wilson’s off-field life quickly became a point of discussion. As his on-field struggles continued, the negative media attention only compounded the pressure on a young player who was already fighting for his professional future.
The Future: Is There Hope for Wilson?
As of now, Wilson’s future with the Jets remains uncertain. While he is still on the roster and has the opportunity to develop behind Rodgers (if the veteran returns after recovering from injury), many are questioning if it’s too late for him to turn things around.
At 24 years old, Wilson still has time to refine his skills and prove that he can be a competent starting quarterback in the NFL. But the clock is ticking, and Jets fans are growing increasingly impatient. After years of rebuilding, they’re tired of hearing about “potential” and “upside.” They want results. Whether that means Wilson stepping up and showing signs of the player he was supposed to be, or the Jets looking elsewhere for their next quarterback, the pressure on Wilson has never been greater.
Could he still salvage his career? Perhaps. But the odds are stacked against him. The Jets may have no choice but to move on after this season, unless Wilson can pull off a shocking turnaround. But for now, the Jets remain stuck in the same cycle of quarterback uncertainty that has haunted them for decades.
Zach Wilson’s time with the New York Jets has been a storybook of hope turned frustration, and unless he can drastically improve, he may be remembered as one of the biggest quarterback busts in Jets history. And that would be a cruel irony, considering how much was expected from the kid with the golden arm.
