NFL Rumors: 49ers to ‘Rehabilitate’ Zach Wilson as Jets QB Set to Backup Brock Purdy Following Sam Darnold’s Path

It might be over for Zach Wilson in the New York Jets. The 2023 NFL season didn’t come out well for the backup quarterback as the team got limited to only 7 wins after Aaron Rodgers’ abrupt season-ending injury. During the season, Jets fans and many NFL analysts demanded Wilson’s exit. And now reportedly it seems the time may have come.

So, which team is likely to take Wilson as their backup? As per the rumors, the San Francisco 49ers currently have the cheapest quarterback room in the league. Hence, is it Brock Purdy’s team, the Super Bowl LVIII defending the Niners?

Zach Wilson might follow Sam Darnold if this happens

In the latest episode of his NFL covering session, reporter David Lombardi of The Athletic discussed Zach Wilson and his potential situation with the Jets. He also talked about how the 49ers could be a good destination for any available NFL quarterback with talent who hasn’t performed well so far. He specifically mentioned Wilson from the Jets.

As per the reports and stats, Wilson hasn’t lived up to expectations since being drafted in 2021. Additionally, Lombardi compared Wilson’s situation to that of Sam Darnold, expressing, “The 49ers are a desirable destination for a quarterback that has a lot of physical talent but has flamed out so far so I’m going to mention it’s Zach Wilson of the New York Jets.”

He continued, “I think we saw this past season that San Francisco might be in the quarterback reputation rehab business and Sam Darnold successfully rehabbed his reputation with the 49ers.…Wilson was picked the number two he hasn’t been good with the Jets but I also don’t think that the Jets have been a particularly appetizing setup for any quarterback and Sam Darnold was also with the Jets before Zack Wilson as a premier pick…. he wasn’t good with the Jets. Sam Darnold wasn’t good with the Panthers until his final six games came to the 49ers his reputation was broken, the setup that I talked about fix Sam Darnold’s reputation.” Lombardi raised a question – can the same thing happen with Zack Wilson and would the 49ers be interested in him?

Wilson’s contract makes it challenging for the Jets to trade him, as he’s owed a significant amount of money ($5.5 million), and since he’s a first-round pick so that contract is all guaranteed. The Jets might consider releasing Wilson if they’ve lost faith in him and value having an extra roster spot more than the financial hit they’d take from his contract.

But one thing is for sure, after Justin Fields’ recent Steelers trade, Wilson has become the lone young QB looking for a new home.

Will the Jets bid adieu to Zach Wilson?

Zach Wilson might not be playing for the Jets anymore, but he is still waiting for a new team. After Justin Fields was traded, Wilson is now the only quarterback from the 2021 draft class without a new home. Among many teams, the 49ers could be interested in him because they have room in their budget ($5.4 million) for his contract. Some analysts also believe that the 49ers would have chosen Wilson over Trey Lance if given the chance.

Wilson had a tough time with the Jets, partly because the team and coaches weren’t great. It’s speculated that he might do better under a coach like Kyle Shanahan, especially because his style of play is similar to Brock Purdy’s, who also likes to move around a lot. In his three stints with the Jets, Wilson didn’t win many games and had more interceptions than touchdowns. His competition rate was one of the lowest among starting quarterbacks.

If the Jets decide to let him go, they will still have to pay his salary, so they might keep him for another year and let him leave after that.

Read more: Zach Wilson Parents: Meet Mike & Lisa Wilson, Who Share 6 Kids While Being Married for 2 Decades