Aaron Rodgers may be on the verge of becoming the new starting quarterback for the New York Jets, but Zach Wilson has promised to be on his case.
Rodgers has finally broken his silence on his immediate NFL future, claiming on the Pat McAfee Show that the Green Bay Packers don't want him back, and that he intends to play for the Jets next season. The Packers and the Jets are still negotiating trade terms, but it looks like for the first time since 2005, Rodgers will be gearing up for a different franchise.
Wilson is still very much the long-term hope for the Jets, and head coach Robert Saleh was clear when targeting a 'veteran quarterback' that part of their duties would be to mentor the 23-year-old. But Wilson is still aiming to push Rodgers for the starter spot, after an honest admission back in January.
It was a tough season for Wilson, as the youngster was removed from the roster on multiple occasions for non-injury related reasons. The Jets proved their worth with a stacked roster, but were let down at the quarterback position.
Wilson is still learning, and he'll be able to learn from the very best if Rodgers' trade is completed. But that doesn't mean he won't be looking to put pressure on Rodgers next season.
Back in January, after hearing reports that the Jets were going to search for a veteran quarterback for the 2023 season, Wilson made it clear that he wouldn't sit back and settle for being a back-up. "I'm going to make that dude's life hell in practice every day," Wilson said.
It's a positive response from Wilson, who would've seen his confidence knocked at times last season. But despite his claims, any suggestion that Rodgers won't be their guaranteed starter is extremely bold.
Thankfully for Wilson, he will be playing alongside one of his idols as he reportedly grew up adoring the Packers star. According to NFL reporter Ari Meirov, Wilson idolised Rodgers from a young age, and is delighted to have grown a close relationship with the NFL veteran.
The two look set to became team-mates and even closer pals, and Wilson will learn some priceless lessons from Rodgers if the deal goes through. And with Rodgers' favourite offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett now with the Jets, it could be an exciting season for the franchise.
