The expectation is that the New York Jets will trade quarterback Zach Wilson this offseason. Wilson and the Jets have a tumultuous relationship.
The former first-round bust received an opportunity to start the majority of Jets games in 2023 after Aaron Rodgers suffered a season-ending injury in Week 1. Wilson's play was a rollercoaster. He was eventually relegated to No. 3 quarterback duties behind Trevor Siemian and Tim Boyle. After Boyle played significantly worse than Wilson did, the Jets turned back to Wilson.
As general manager Joe Douglas searches for an appropriate trade partner, Wilson's up-and-down performances, paired with his age, should have teams interested in a reclamation project. We've identified three potential landing spots.
LOS ANGELES RAMS
Many mock drafts have the Rams drafting a quarterback with the No. 19 overall selection, but color me skeptical. A succession plan is eventually required for Matthew Stafford, who is still playing the position at an extremely high level. I believe general manager Les Snead and head coach Sean McVay are likely to target a defensive playmaker who can contribute immediately. The Rams qualified for the postseason and should continue maximizing their window as long as Stafford, Cooper Kupp, and Aaron Donald are around.
McVay is an offensive-minded leader who runs a player-friendly scheme. Baker Mayfield thrived under McVay's tutelage in 2022, a move that helped rehabilitate his then-failing career. Former Jets offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur now holds the same role under McVay. All parties involved would benefit greatly if McVay salvages Wilson.
PITTSBURGH STEELERS
The Steelers are at a crossroads. Sophomore first-round pick Kenny Pickett was playing poorly before an injury sidelined him. Mason Rudolph entered the lineup and took advantage of his opportunity. Mike Tomlin decided to stick with Rudolph when Pickett was cleared to return from injury and even opted to start Rudolph in a playoff game.
Pittsburgh has too much invested in Pickett's development to admit defeat this quickly. I don't believe the Steelers will aggressively pursue a replacement this offseason, but they certainly should add competition in training camp. Can Rudolph, who is set for unrestricted free agency, provide that competition? The Steelers should aim higher than Rudolph's ceiling. Acquiring Wilson to push Pickett would be worthwhile.
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
Saints head coach Dennis Allen should leave no stone unturned in pursuit of improvement. Allen is firmly on the hot seat after suffering consecutive losing seasons in New Orleans. Another similar outcome in a winnable NFC South division will cost Allen his job.
Changes have been made to the offensive side of the ball. San Francisco 49ers passing game coordinator Klint Kubiak is expected to be named the new offensive coordinator following Super Bowl LVIII. Derek Carr initially failed to meet expectations after signing a bloated four-year, $150 million contract. Backup quarterback Jameis Winston is slated for free agency. The Saints need to have a backup plan if Carr and Kubiak don't mesh well. Trading for Wilson could protect the Saints against another slow start by Carr.
