Former Jets QB expands on Zach Wilson report

Former New York Jets quarterback and current "The NFL Today" analyst Boomer Esiason did some homework and "asked around" after it was reported Monday that New York signal-caller Zach Wilson is "reluctant" to start again for the club this season. 

"Nobody confirmed it, but nobody denied it," Esiason explained during the Tuesday edition of the WFAN "Boomer and Gio" program, per Ryan Chichester of Audacy. "So that means there is something there for us to chew on." 

Zack Rosenblatt and Dianna Russini of The Athletic reported Monday that Wilson "is hesitant to step back into" the starting role due to concerns related to possible injuries. The second overall pick of the 2021 NFL Draft didn't play across New York's last two games after he was benched during the Week 11 loss to the Buffalo Bills on Nov. 19, and The Athletic story added that Week 1 starter Aaron Rodgers "reached out to Wilson in an effort to advise him to resume the starter role." 

Jets head coach Robert Saleh told reporters on Monday afternoon that Wilson "wants the ball" and "wants to start." On Tuesday afternoon, Josina Anderson of CBS Sports reported that the Jets are releasing Tim Boyle after Boyle lost back-to-back starts. That roster move may confirm that Saleh is going back to Wilson for this Sunday's game between the 4-8 Jets and 7-5 Houston Texans at MetLife Stadium. 

Shortly after the Wilson story broke on Monday, New York Giants icon and CBS Sports NFL analyst Tiki Barber publicly ripped the 24-year-old and suggested the Jets should move on from Wilson even before the season ends. Esiason noted his reaction to the article mirrored Barber's. 

"Anyone who has ever played this game is going to be insulted by the whole thing if this is accurate," Esiason said. 

Rodgers attempting to return to the lineup before Week 18 from the torn Achilles he suffered on Sept. 11 now makes little sense for everyone involved considering where the Jets are in the playoff picture coupled with the fact that the future Hall of Famer plans to play next season. His continued absences could give Wilson an opportunity to repair an image damaged by poor on-the-field performances and his alleged mindset regarding playing for the Jets ahead of Christmas. 

"Hey man, this is the NFL, and people do not like that attitude," Esiason added while speaking about Wilson. "Thirty-one other teams are aware of this now…do not put yourself in the line of fire, or do anything else to damage your reputation, and sure enough, this comes out."