Former Jet thinks team needs to get a Wilson replacement

Boomer Esiason. Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Former Jets QB thinks team needs to pounce on a Zach Wilson replacement

By Michael Gallagher | Last updated 9/19/23

The reviews for New York Jets quarterback Zach Wilson have been lukewarm through the first two games of 2023, but a former Jets QB thinks he has the ideal solution.

During a recent episode of “Boomer and Gio,” Boomer Esiason floated out the idea of the Jets signing free agent Carson Wentz because it would cost the team nothing to acquire him and he would presumably be an upgrade over what’s on New York’s roster right now.

“I know that Carson Wentz has a perception about him, but Frank Reich did not want to cut Carson Wentz in Indianapolis,” Esiason said. “He didn't; the owner did because the owner overreacted to two losses at the end of the season. ... [Wentz is] also is not going to be a guy that's just going to (be) as bad as Zach Wilson."

Through two games, Wilson has completed 26 of 48 passes for 310 yards, two touchdowns and four interceptions with a passer rating of 53.5 after replacing Aaron Rodgers, who suffered a torn Achilles in Week 1.

Zach Wilson is asked if he needs to regain the confidence of the #Jets locker room:

“I don’t think I need to think of it like that. I think how I can go out there & play football will earn that trust back from those guys. I would say I have a very good relationship with… pic.twitter.com/xyVcEkyXEb
— Harrison Glaser (@NYJetsTFMedia) September 14, 2023

Wentz, the No. 2 overall pick in 2016, hasn’t played since Jan. 1 when he was with the Washington Commanders. Wentz threw for 143 yards with three interceptions in that 24-10 loss to the Cleveland Browns and was benched for Taylor Heinicke after just eight games.

The Kansas City Chiefs are the only team that reportedly reached out to the 30-year-old QB (for a backup role) during the offseason. In seven seasons, Wentz has a 46-45-1 record as a starter along with 22,129 passing yards, 151 touchdowns and 66 interceptions. He’s won a Super Bowl championship and been named to one Pro Bowl team and one All-Pro team.

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