New York Jets Open Up Training Camp Without Zach Wilson
Jul 27, 2021, 1:32 PM
FLORHAM PARK, NEW JERSEY - JUNE 15: Zach Wilson #2 of the New York Jets runs drills during New York Jets Mandatory Minicamp on June 15, 2021 at Atlantic Health Jets Training Center in Florham Park, New Jersey. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
(Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY – The New York Jets opened up their 2021 Training Camp without its top draft pick, former BYU star Zach Wilson.
Zach Wilson is one of three first-round draft picks from the 2021 class not yet to sign their rookie contract. He becomes the second consecutive New York Jets first-round QB pick not to have a signed rookie contract entering training camp. Sam Darnold didn’t sign his contract until a few days into training camp back in 2018.
Wilson’s rookie salary is already set. He will receive a fully-guaranteed four-year $35.2 million contract. The hang-up, according to reports, could be the offset language in the contract. Meaning the Jets could get money back if the franchise cut Wilson within his first four years.
Jets HC Robert Saleh on Zach Wilson: “I’ve got a lot of faith in Zach too.”
The Jets begin practicing in training camp on Wednesday, July 28.
Every Jet has reported to camp except Zach Wilson:
"When he does get here, I know somehow, some way he'll make up for it" pic.twitter.com/rv4z222wvD
— Jets Videos (@snyjets) July 27, 2021
First-year Jets head coach Robert Saleh was asked if it will be tough for a rookie quarterback like Wilson to miss time in training camp. “From a rookie standpoint, you need as many reps as you can and veterans always get off days here and there anyway, so they do miss. It’s something that he’ll have to navigate through,” Saleh said. “I’ve got a lot of faith in Zach too. He’s incredibly intelligent; he’s got a tremendous drive. So when he does get here, I know that somehow, someway, he’ll make up for it.”
If Zach Wilson is not at the first practice of camp for the Jets on Wednesday, backups Mike White and James Morgan will have the opportunities to guide the first-team offense.
Wilson is the highest quarterback draft pick for the Jets in the common draft era (since 1969). Last season at BYU, Wilson tossed 33 touchdown passes to only three interceptions and guided BYU to their first one-loss season since 1996.
Mitch Harper is a BYU Insider for KSLsports.com and host of the Cougar Tracks Podcast (SUBSCRIBE) and Cougar Sports Saturday (Saturday from 12-3 pm) on KSL Newsradio. Follow him on Twitter: @Mitch_Harper.
