Jets GM Joe Douglas: 'We're obviously open to trading Zach' Wilson
Zach Wilson of the New York Jets against the Miami Dolphins at MetLife Stadium last November. Credit: Jim McIsaac
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — Zach Wilson still is a member of the Jets, but trade talks involving him could pick up in the next week.
The NFL Draft begins Thursday night, and some quarterback-needy teams could be willing to take a chance on Wilson. The Jets are keeping their fingers crossed.
“We’re obviously open to trading Zach,” general manager Joe Douglas said Friday morning. “There have been discussions. Nothing’s really changed since we talked down in Florida. We’re open to trading him. There’s just no news to report.”
Douglas was referring to his previous session with reporters during last month’s owners’ meetings. Friday was the first time Douglas spoke to the media since owner Woody Johnson called Wilson a “valuable asset” and said the Jets won’t “just release him” if they can’t trade the 2021 No. 2 overall pick.
Douglas agreed that Wilson is “an asset” but wouldn’t say he’ll be on the roster if nothing transpires by the start of training camp.
“Look, we’re still in April,” Douglas said. “Training camp is months away. There’s a chance for a lot of different things. So I’m not going to get into what’s going to happen in training camp or this season.”
After last season, the Jets gave Wilson’s agents permission to find a trade. To move him, the Jets likely will have to pay part of his $5.5 million salary and maybe even include a draft pick. Wilson is 13-21 in three seasons with 23 touchdown passes and 25 interceptions.
The Jets opened their voluntary offseason program this week, and to no one’s surprise, Wilson has not been in attendance. The Jets’ other two quarterbacks, Aaron Rodgers and Tyrod Taylor, have.
Douglas said it’s been good to have Rodgers back in the building, working out with his teammates after suffering a torn left Achilles tendon four snaps into last season. The anniversary of Rodgers’ acquisition is next week.
“We’re so excited to have him part of this franchise,” Douglas said. “Just the leadership he brings, him connecting with his teammates, his presence in the building, he’s a great guy. I’ve really enjoyed getting to know him as a man and spending time with him. I’m excited about this year.”
The Jets still need to add to their quarterback room. It’s possible that they will draft a quarterback with a Day 3 pick who can develop and learn from Rodgers and Taylor.
Among the quarterbacks who have had visits with the Jets are Florida State’s Jordan Travis, Tulane’s Michael Pratt and Samford’s Michael Hiers.
Targeting a tight end
Douglas never mentioned Brock Bowers by name, but the Georgia tight end seems to be a top target for the Jets with the No. 10 pick. Douglas was asked about the offensive playmakers in the top half of the draft and mentioned “a tight end that’s a Swiss Army knife.”
It would make sense to take a pass-catcher with the No. 10 pick and give Rodgers more help.
The Jets continue to say they like their tight end room with Tyler Conklin and Jeremy Ruckert, but it doesn’t mean they won’t take Bowers if they believe he can be a game-changer like Kansas City’s Travis Kelce or the 49ers’ George Kittle.
“The right type of tight end can be a real weapon,” Douglas added.
Two-minute drill
Douglas on the acquisition of edge rusher Haason Reddick: “We feel like we already have a lot of supercharged hellcats on that defense that can roll. That’s just another one to add to the group.” . . . Douglas said no decision has been made on right guard Alijah Vera-Tucker’s fifth-year option. The Jets have until May 2 to pick it up. Vera-Tucker, one of the better offensive linemen in the NFL, has missed 22 games the past two seasons.
Al Iannazzone covers the Jets for Newsday after spending nearly two decades on the NBA beat with Knicks and Nets.
