Zach Wilson’s Road to Redemption: Can He Reclaim His Role as an NFL Starter?
Zach Wilson’s NFL journey has been anything but smooth. After being selected second overall by the New York Jets in the 2021 NFL Draft, Wilson was expected to be the franchise’s savior. However, inconsistent play, injuries, and struggles with leadership led to his eventual benching. Now, as he looks to revitalize his career, the question remains: Can Zach Wilson reclaim a starting role in the NFL?
A Rocky Start in New York
Wilson entered the league with high expectations after a stellar junior season at BYU, where he showcased elite arm talent, mobility, and playmaking ability. Unfortunately, his transition to the NFL was far from seamless. In his rookie season, Wilson threw for just 2,334 yards, nine touchdowns, and 11 interceptions in 13 games. While growing pains were expected, his struggles in decision-making and accuracy raised concerns.
His sophomore campaign in 2022 didn’t bring the turnaround many hoped for. Despite the Jets having an improved defense and offensive weapons, Wilson’s play remained erratic. His completion percentage hovered around 55%, and he struggled under pressure. The biggest blow, however, came when he was benched in favor of Mike White. Reports also surfaced about locker room tension, with some teammates appearing to lose faith in him after he deflected responsibility for a poor performance.
By 2023, the Jets had moved on, acquiring Aaron Rodgers from the Green Bay Packers. However, an Achilles injury to Rodgers in Week 1 thrust Wilson back into action. While he showed occasional flashes of improvement, he failed to seize the opportunity to cement himself as a long-term option. The Jets ultimately benched him again, and his future in New York became uncertain.
Finding a New Opportunity
With the Jets opting to move forward with Rodgers and other quarterback options, Wilson’s time in New York appears to be over. The next step in his career will be crucial. Whether through a trade or free agency, he will likely need to find a team willing to take a chance on his raw talent.
Several teams could present potential landing spots. Quarterback-needy teams like the Atlanta Falcons, Denver Broncos, or Las Vegas Raiders might see Wilson as a reclamation project. In the right system, with better coaching and a fresh start, he could develop into a capable starter or at least a reliable backup with upside.
What Wilson Must Improve
For Wilson to redeem himself, he must address key weaknesses in his game. First, his decision-making must improve. Too often, he forces throws into tight windows rather than taking the safer option. Second, his pocket presence needs work; he has struggled with sensing pressure and making quick reads. Lastly, leadership and maturity will be crucial. Quarterbacks need to command the respect of their teammates, and Wilson must prove he has grown in that regard.
Can He Make a Comeback?
While Wilson’s path to redemption won’t be easy, the NFL has seen quarterbacks bounce back before. Players like Geno Smith and Ryan Tannehill struggled early in their careers before finding success in the right environment. If Wilson lands in a system that maximizes his strengths and minimizes his weaknesses, he could follow a similar path.
Ultimately, his future depends on how he approaches this next phase of his career. If he puts in the work, refines his skills, and earns the trust of a new team, he has a chance to reclaim an NFL starting role.
