Report: Zach Wilson Favored over Trevor Lawrence in 2021 Draft by Ex-Jets OC LaFleur

Former New York Jets offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur and assistant general manager Rex Hogan were reportedly the "driving forces" behind the team's decision to draft Zach Wilson with the No. 2 pick in the 2021 NFL draft.

"[LaFleur], along with Rex Hogan, were in 2021 draft meetings selling the narrative that there was a legit argument Wilson was better than [No. 1 overall pick] Trevor Lawrence," a source told ESPN's Rich Cimini. "[Some of us], we're like, 'What the f--k?!' It's one thing to like a player; it's another to pump a prospect up higher than he actually is."

Wilson faces an uncertain future in New York after two miserable seasons serving as the team's primary starter. The BYU product has thrown for 4,022 yards and 15 touchdowns against 18 interceptions during his two NFL seasons and was replaced down the stretch of 2022 in favor of Mike White.

Tensions also flared in the locker room over Wilson's seeming unwillingness to take accountability for his poor play. He was benched by the Jets after saying he did not feel the offense let the defense down in a 10-3 loss to the New England Patriots on Nov. 20.

Cimini's report said the defense wanted to "kick [Wilson's] ass" after the comments. Wilson later apologized, but the damage was done.

"He has to continue to work on himself, and I mean that in the best way possible," defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins told ESPN. "Because at the end of the day, in order to step in front of a group of men and lead them, you have to continue to take care of things the right way."

The Jets are expected to move on this offseason by targeting a veteran quarterback. Jimmy Garoppolo is a natural fit given coach Robert Saleh's ties to the San Francisco 49ers, and adding Garoppolo would not cost the Jets a draft pick. Aaron Rodgers has been another oft-mentioned target, but he's yet to even commit to playing in the 2023 season.

Regardless, Wilson's time with the Jets may be finished. It would not be a surprise to see the team look into trading him this offseason, with both sides potentially benefiting from a parting of ways. Wilson could head to a team where he can serve as a backup without the pressure of being viewed as a bust by the fanbase, and the Jets can rid themselves of another front-office gaffe at the quarterback position.