Former MVP believes Jets should release Zach Wilson

Even before New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh decided to start backup quarterback Tim Boyle over Zach Wilson for this coming Friday's home game against the 7-3 Miami Dolphins, former Jets signal-caller and one-time NFL MVP Boomer Esiason suggested the organization should part ways with Wilson sooner rather than later. 

"This kid here has not figured out anything," Esiason said about Wilson during Monday's edition of the WFAN "Boomer and Gio" program, per Ryan Chichester of Audacy. "I mean, it is unbelievable that he hasn't even grown an inch. I wouldn’t put that kid out in front of the home fans [on Friday against Miami]. They should probably just wake up this morning and say, 'It’s not working.' He serves no purpose on this team right now. None. No backup purpose, nothing. They should just release him, let him go, realize they made a mistake."

Saleh benched Wilson, the second overall pick of the 2021 NFL Draft, multiple times last season before the Jets acquired Aaron Rodgers from the Green Bay Packers this past spring. Wilson returned to the QB1 spot on the depth chart after Rodgers suffered a torn Achilles early in the regular-season opener, and ESPN stats show the 24-year-old entered Monday ranked 30th in the league among qualified players with a 30.8 adjusted QBR on the campaign. 

Saleh sat Wilson in favor of Boyle during Sunday's 32-6 loss at the Buffalo Bills that dropped New York to 4-6. It was subsequently hinted that some teammates have lost faith in Wilson's ability to lead the offense.

"There is absolutely no confidence whatsoever in the young man to lead this team to a first down, let alone touchdowns," Esiason added about Wilson, as shared by Chichester. "You can see it. It’s obvious for everybody. I have no idea what the front office - and I love [general manager Joe Douglas]…who is, unfortunately, dealing with a decision that he’s a part of, that’s going to ruin him as well - but he’s gonna have to explain a lot to a lot of people about this particular player, who is a complete and utter bust. I don’t know what else to call it."

The San Francisco 49ers received a 2024 fourth-round draft pick from the Dallas Cowboys in exchange for quarterback Trey Lance after San Francisco relegated Lance to third on the depth chart in August. Some may feel that transaction serves as a reminder that some club could send an asset to the Jets for Wilson this coming offseason, but it sounds like Esiason believes the third-year pro is no longer worth anything to his current employer. 

"You gotta do something to relieve that pressure, and to me, would be to outright release him and just let him go," Esiason said about Wilson.