Facing the media Friday following the Week 16 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, Robert Saleh was naturally grilled with questions about quarterback Zach Wilson. One of which, of course, was whether he feels Wilson is still the quarterback of the future.
This comes on the heels of the Jets losing their fourth straight game and Wilson only playing two-plus quarters in the loss before the Jets decided to play Chris Streveler for the remaining quarter and change in the 19-3 loss. Wilson went just 9/18 for 92 yards and an interception.
As a result, many around the media believe there is almost no going back to Wilson after Thursday. Of course, Saleh won’t say that to the media and this soon. So when he asked if Wilson is the future, Saleh said “We’re never going to quit on anybody.”
We’re never going to quit on anybody. I’ve got confidence in all our guys. I don’t know how many years I’ve been in the league now, it’s been awhile, but I just feel like every single year there’s a kid who’s just struggling, and everybody wants to quit on him, and this might not be their year, but it doesn’t mean that next year can’t be their year. That’s everybody on the roster, and as long as that person is wearing a Jets uniform, we’re going to do everything we can to put our hearts and souls into these kids. Now, at the end of the day, the best players will always play, you guys know that, that’s how we stand, but at the same time, as long as they’re here, as long as they’re playing for the Jets, we’re going to pour everything we can to help them be the best version of themselves they can be. And if that best version earns a spot on the field, then that will happen.
Saleh said he believes Wilson’s biggest issue is his confidence, but that it “doesn’t take long to flip.”
“He just needs a string of, a good string of consecutive games, quarters, plays, of putting together good football. And once you get in a groove, everything just starts clicking and moving faster.”
Many will argue Wilson has had his opportunities to put together a string of good games and could not do it. And after Thursday, his opportunity with the Jets may soon be like their playoff hopes this season, heading out the door very soon.
For what it’s worth, Wilson has two years left on his rookie deal. He is set to count almost $9.6 million against the salary cap in 2023 and about $11.2 million in 2024.
This is most likely all coach-speak, as it typically is, which is fine. You’re not expecting Saleh to throw his players under the bus at the podium in front of the media. He’ll say it wasn’t exactly a benching on Thursday for Wilson. He’ll say he still has all the confidence in the world in Wilson. The bottom line is the writing seems to be on the wall and the Jets may have to (almost need to) hit the reset button at the position.