NY Jets working out veteran QBs with Zach Wilson still absent

The NY Jets kicked off their first practice of training camp on Wednesday, and once again, Zach Wilson was nowhere to be found.

The rookie quarterback remains embroiled in a contract dispute with the Jets and that dispute has now bled into training camp — something no one wanted to see happen.

Possibly in response to Wilson's continued absence, the Jets are reportedly scheduled to bring in veteran quarterbacks Josh Johnson and Sean Mannion for a workout on Thursday, per ESPN's Adam Schefter.

With only Mike White and James Morgan currently under contract, the Jets are looking to bring in a veteran with some experience. But this likely doesn't bode well for Wilson's contract situation.

The NY Jets are bringing in veteran quarterbacks with Zach Wilson still absent.

Johnson was originally a fifth-round pick of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers way back in the 2008 NFL Draft. He's bounced around the NFL for over a decade and has had stints in numerous independent leagues such as the UFL, AAF, and most recently the XFL.

The 35-year-old last played for the Washington Football Team in 2018 where he made three starts throwing for three touchdowns and four interceptions. He most recently spent time on the San Francisco 49ers practice squad last season before being released in June.

Mannion was a third-round pick of the St. Louis Rams in the 2015 NFL Draft and has played sparingly with both the Rams and Minnesota Vikings.

The 29-year-old has started two career games and hasn't thrown a touchdown in his time in the NFL. Needless to say, Johnson and Mannion are likely nothing more than camp arms.

That does, however, indicate that Wilson's absence might be prolonged a little longer.

White took all of the first-team reps during Wednesday's practice with Morgan working with the second-team offense. But the Jets clearly want another quarterback in the mix while Wilson is out.

The fact that they're working out Johnson and Mannion tomorrow suggests that there is no contract imminent with Wilson and his reps.

The two sides remain at odds over offset language in Wilson's contract. For a more in-depth look at the dispute, you can click here.

SNY's Ralph Vacchiano reported on Tuesday that the Jets are "not likely to budge" meaning that this could very well drag out into August.

The saga continues. The Jets might just sign another quarterback before they sign their rookie QB.