9 teams that could trade for NY Jets QB Zach Wilson

The NY Jets have been consistent in their rhetoric that they have no plans to trade Zach Wilson this offseason. The organization remains committed to his development and fully plans for him to be on the roster in 2023.

At least, that's what they've said publicly. In reality, Wilson can likely be moved for the right package.

We've seen countless teams reiterate their commitment to their quarterback only to send them packing months, if not weeks, later. From Josh Rosen to Russell Wilson, there is plenty of prior precedent. Public comments rarely represent the internal thoughts of a front office.

The Jets might plan for Wilson to be on their roster in 2023, but that doesn't mean it's going to happen. Wilson is not going to factor heavily into the team's quarterback plans this season. That could result in a win-now team like the Jets moving him for other assets.

Now, the timing of such a trade would be important. Trading Wilson before June 1st would incur a dead cap charge of over $11 million, meaning that the most feasible timeline for a trade would be after June 1st.

In that scenario, the Jets would actually save nearly $4 million in cap space with a dead cap charge of $5.73 million. It's totally possible that the Jets choose to go that route if they feel the value is right.

But which teams make sense as potential trade partners for Wilson? We take a look at nine teams the Jets can consider trading Zach Wilson to this offseason.

9. The NY Jets can trade Zach Wilson to the Indianapolis Colts

The Indianapolis Colts have gone the veteran route at quarterback in each of the last few seasons with very little success. From Carson Wentz to Matt Ryan, the Colts have failed at relying on repurposed veterans.

Wilson wouldn't be a starting-caliber option for the Colts, or any team on this list, for that matter. Instead, he would be a reclamation project to develop behind whoever the Colts settle on as their quarterback in 2023.

Perhaps that's a veteran like Derek Carr. Perhaps it's a rookie like Bryce Young, C.J. Stroud, Will Levis, etc. Either way, new head coach Shane Steichen could see some potential in Wilson and try to salvage his career.

8. The NY Jets can trade Zach Wilson to the Carolina Panthers

The Carolina Panthers already took one failed Jets quarterback off their hands two years ago when they traded for Sam Darnold. Could history repeat itself in the form of Zach Wilson this offseason?

The Panthers are another team that appears to be a quarterback away from contending in a very weak NFC South. Wilson wouldn't be their solution, but he makes sense as a young QB to develop behind a veteran if they go that route.

Sam Darnold is a free agent, and he could be replaced in Carolina by the same player who replaced him in New York. Talk about a storyline befitting the NFL offseason.

7. The NY Jets can trade Zach Wilson to the New Orleans Saints

The New Orleans Saints are another NFC South team in search of a quarterback this offseason. While their sights appear to be set on Derek Carr, Wilson could come in as a worthwhile developmental QB.

Andy Dalton is a free agent and Jameis Winston could be a cap casualty, leaving the Saints with zero true quarterbacks on their active roster. Perhaps Wilson could be acquired as a young developmental quarterback on a roster in limbo.

6. The NY Jets can trade Zach Wilson to the Minnesota Vikings

Kirk Cousins isn't the future in Minnesota as the 34-year-old QB will enter the final year of his contract in 2023. The Vikings tried to draft his potential future replacement in Kellen Mond, but he lasted just one year with the organization.

Minnesota isn't looking to make a splash at the quarterback position this offseason, but it would make sense to add a young QB to their roster. If they don't go the draft route, Wilson makes some sense.

ESPN's Bill Barnwell identified the Vikings as a possible landing spot for Wilson last December, so there are at least some out there who believe it makes sense.

5. The NY Jets can trade Zach Wilson to the Arizona Cardinals

Kyler Murray's injury has derailed the Arizona Cardinals' plans for the 2023 season. With Murray expected to miss a chunk of next season, it's expected that the Cardinals won't be true contenders in 2023.

If that's the case, why waste everyone's time by starting soon-to-be 37-year-old Colt McCoy for half the season? It would make sense for the Cardinals to acquire a young quarterback like Wilson to see if he could push McCoy for some starts while Murray is out.

Best-case scenario, he impresses and they could flip him for draft capital. Worst-case scenario, he flops and you help improve your own draft position. Wilson would be an interesting addition for the Cardinals.

4. The NY Jets can trade Zach Wilson to the Baltimore Ravens

There's only one scenario where this makes sense. If the Baltimore Ravens do trade Lamar Jackson, and if the team they trade him to is the Jets, it would make some sense to include Zach Wilson in the deal.

The Jackson situation is still a long way from being resolved, but it feels more and more likely as the days go on that he could be traded this offseason. Now, whether the team he's traded to is the Jets is another discussion.

The Ravens' offense figures to change significantly with Todd Monken now running the show, especially if Jackson is traded. It could be fun to see what Monken could do with Wilson given his prior experience developing Stetson Bennett at Georgia.

3. The NY Jets can trade Zach Wilson to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers officially said goodbye to Tom Brady this offseason, leaving a gaping hole at the quarterback position. Unless the Bucs sign a veteran like Derek Carr, it might make sense for the organization to enter a period of rebuilding in 2023.

The Bucs already have 2022 second-round pick Kyle Trask on the roster, but why not add another young quarterback to compete with the former Florida standout?

I don't think the Bucs would roll with either Trask or Wilson as their starter in 2023, but it could make sense to have two young quarterbacks compete for the backup job, especially if the plan isn't to compete next season.

2. The NY Jets can trade Zach Wilson to the Green Bay Packers

Much like with the Ravens example, this one only makes sense if the Jets trade for Aaron Rodgers. If Rodgers opts to leave Green Bay, the Packers could ask for Wilson in a potential trade.

Now, Wilson wouldn't be asked to start. The starting job would presumably go to former first-round pick Jordan Love. But Wilson could be a young QB to develop behind Love in case the Utah State product doesn't work out.

Trading Wilson for his idol would be an amusing wrinkle to this year's NFL offseason.

1. The NY Jets can trade Zach Wilson to the Los Angeles Rams

Out of any team in the NFL, I think the Los Angeles Rams make the most sense as a trade destination for Zach Wilson. Even before the addition of Mike LaFleur, the Rams checked all the boxes for me.

They're an aging former contender with an old quarterback and a roster in limbo. Combine that with no obvious succession plan behind Matthew Stafford and you have an ideal destination.

LaFleur reportedly pushed hard for the Jets to draft Wilson back in 2021, so it's clear that he was high on the former BYU standout. A reunion in Los Angeles where Wilson can sit behind Stafford and develop under Sean McVay's watch is a perfect situation for both parties.