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After agreeing to let Zach Wilson seek a trade this past week, the New York Jets will be looking to find another protege to learn under star quarterback Aaron Rodgers, and they reportedly could use the 2024 NFL draft to accomplish that goal.
ESPN’s Rich Cimini reported on Sunday that Jets general manager Joe Douglas said during an interview with SNY’s Jeane Coakley earlier this week that this year’s draft “could be a very Jet-friendly draft in terms of the things we’re looking for,” and he mentioned offensive line, wide receiver and quarterback as positions the team will be targeting.
Cimini stated, “Don’t be surprised if they draft a developmental prospect on Day 3” to fill their need for a young quarterback. It was also noted that the Jets, who hold the No. 10 pick in the first round, met with the top three quarterbacks at the NFL Combine this week, but that was simply “due diligence.”
The Jets were hoping to have Wilson take the 2023 season to be mentored by Rodgers. Those plans went awry when Rodgers tore his Achilles four plays into the first game of the year, forcing Wilson to be thrust back into the starting role. Unfortunately, the youngster struggled once again, spelling the end of his time in New York just three years after the team selected him with the No. 2 pick in the 2021 draft.
The Jets will undoubtedly be hoping to have better luck drafting a quarterback this time around. Rodgers turned 40 in December, so it’s imperative that the team figures out a plan for the future.