Jets Rumors: Zach Wilson 'Reluctant' to Step Back In; NY 'Leaning Toward' Starting QB

Zach Wilson is "reluctant to stepping back in" as the New York Jets' starting quarterback, according to The Athletic's Dianna Russini and Zack Rosenblatt.

Russini and Rosenblatt reported the Jets are "leaning towards" elevating Wilson back to that role ahead of Sunday's game against the Houston Texans.

Jeff Howe of The Athletic reported he'll take the promotion if "asked directly by the Jets to start."

Russini also reported that Aaron Rodgers has reached out to Wilson and advised him to take the role:

Of note, New York coach Robert Saleh disputed the report that Wilson was "reluctant" to start again:

Tim Boyle started the last two weeks for New York but got yanked for Trevor Siemian in the team's 13-8 defeat to the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday. Together, they combined to go 19-of-38 for 197 yards and an interception.

After the game, head coach Robert Saleh declined to tip his hand as to the starter for Week 14. Asked about Wilson specifically, he said the 2021 first-round pick is "always in consideration."

Generally, you'd expect any player on the team to answer the call when the coach says it's time to join the first string. To quote Don Draper, that's what the money is for.

In Wilson's case, however, it's easy to see why he's mentally checked out right now.

The 24-year-old has shouldered a lot of blame—not entirely unfairly—for the Jets' 4-8 record. When New York went on that three-game winning streak in October, it was basically framed as a team prevailing in spite of its young quarterback rather than because of him.

Then there was Saleh's decision to not just bench him but push him down to third on the depth chart behind Boyle and Siemian.

Many things can be true in this situation.

The Jets were right in aggressively pursuing an upgrade over Wilson in the offseason because he was holding them back. However, Rodgers' Achilles injury exposed what were larger problems that were created in part by centering so much of the offseason around the four-time MVP.

In addition, the Jets probably should've cut ties with Wilson altogether from the moment the Rodgers trade became official. It's tough to come back when the front office and coaching staff have tacitly said they lost faith in your abilities. Not to mention, any hypothetical succession plan would have Wilson glued to the bench for at least another year or two.

There's time for sensible heads to prevail and for Wilson to get on board with starting again before Sunday. Long term, though, his days in the Big Apple are probably numbered at this point.