Beat reporter confirms Jets' stance on Zach Wilson

New York Jets fans hoping quarterback Zach Wilson won't be the primary backup for Aaron Rodgers this fall should stop wasting their time. 

For a piece published Wednesday, Jets beat reporter Brian Costello of the New York Post wrote that, barring a surprise, Wilson will be Gang Green's QB2 when the club opens the regular season with a home game against the Buffalo Bills on Sept. 11. 

"The Jets want Wilson to get the maximum amount of reps this spring and in training camp, and being the backup quarterback is the way to do it," Costello explained. Costello also mentioned that Wilson is "better" than fellow backups Tim Boyle and Chris Streveler. 

New York let fan-favorite and temporary starter Mike White hit free agency, and he signed with the Miami Dolphins in March. 

The Jets landed Rodgers from the Green Bay Packers this spring after Wilson endured an awful 2022 season that included multiple benchings. Per ESPN stats, the second pick of the 2021 NFL Draft ended the campaign dead last among qualified players with a 54.5% completion percentage, and he tossed six touchdown passes and seven interceptions across nine games. 

Despite Wilson's woes, Jets general manager Joe Douglas suggested even before he finalized the trade for Rodgers that the franchise was committed to keeping the 23-year-old for at least another season. Multiple individuals, including former Jets quarterback Boomer Esiason, believe Rodgers is an ideal mentor for the third-year pro because the two have a good relationship.

It also can't be ignored that the Jets have no guarantee Rodgers will play beyond the 2023 season. The future Hall of Famer turns 40 years old in December and previously made it known he could retire and walk away from millions of dollars. Thus, it makes sense the Jets will continue to hope Wilson will flip a figurative switch and evolve into a legitimate starter while he's on his inexpensive rookie contract. 

"Like every team in the NFL, the Jets don’t want to see their backup play this season," Costello said. "But if Rodgers gets hurt, you’ll see No. 2 back under center." 

For what it's worth, Rodgers dealt with a broken thumb on his throwing hand last fall and was knocked out of a Week 12 game with a rib injury.