As per ESPN.com, Zach Wilson is set to miss 2-4 weeks with a "bone bruise and a meniscus tear" in his right knee. The Jets are apparently optimistic that he may return for week 1. However, I would predict seeing his return taking place somewhere around week 3 or 4.
If so, the Jets will need to fill in for him, until he is healthy enough for him to return. Personally, I think it may be a good idea for them to look outside of their current QB room for a solution. Here are a few names that I would suggest the NYJ front office hopping on the phone and trying to make a deal for.
MARCUS MARIOTA
QB1 (for now?), ATLANTA FALCONS
Desmond Ridder has shown in his first preseason outing that he is a specimen that can adapt very quickly, in the NFL. Mariota played just one series, giving the rest of the snaps to Ridder who performed very well. If I'm the Jets, Mariota fits my offense much more than the Falcons. Mostly because I don't have a line and I'll need extreme mobility/run-and-shoot ability. It may be a tough sell since Atlanta brought him in to start, but perhaps a couple draft picks could entice them to part ways with their- for now- QB1.
DAVID BLOUGH
QB3, DETROIT LIONS
So, hear me out: I think this is an easy trade to talk Detroit in to. They're all in on Goff. Tim Boyle is their back up. I wouldn't expect that to change in 2022. David Blough is no franchise-savior, but filling in for an injured Wilson may not produce a terrible outcome. He's on a one-year deal. You have Wilson already, but if he outperforms your normal starter, there's some real food for thought moving forward. Sporadic at times, Blough might not be the obvious choice. But when I watch him and the Jets offense back to back, I could see a fit.
TAYLOR HEINICKE
QB2, WASHINGTON COMMANDERS
Washington took Carson Wentz. My opinion on that is best left for another article... However, in doing so, they'll be benching a fairly valuable Taylor Heinicke. Last year, as Washington's starter, he threw over 3,000 yards with 20 TDs and only 15 INTs. Again, this guy's not Joe Montana. But in a system that is still trying to figure out which way on the compass is pointing North, Heinicke could be a shining light that would potentially give Wilson a good back-up plan. And since Washington's not using him... am I right?
JIMMY GARRAPOLO
WAITING FOR A TRADE, SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
Ultimately, if Wilson does miss time, it seems like Joe Flacco is going to be the guy that the Jets go to. This is the reason that I didn't bother bringing up Jimmy G. The Jets probably don't want his contract... Jimmy probably doesn't want to go to a team who's most likely going to have a top-5 draft pick, next year. In my book, not even worth a look for either agent. This would be a mess.
All in all, Jets fans...
You'll most likely be sitting through another 2-3 weeks of Joe Flacco to welcome in the 2022 season. Maybe he'll start showing some of the stuff that made him a Super Bowl champion, in Baltimore. Either way, Blough would be my front runner due to his cheap salary; seeming lack of confidence in him from the Lions organization, judging by his depth chart positioning; and overall performance.
And if not, Cam Newton is still out there in free agency. Your move NY Jets front office.
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