Zach Wilson to Jets: Projecting No. 2 Pick's Contract with New York

Rick Bowmer/Associated Press

The New York Jets have their new franchise quarterback in Zach Wilson after selecting the BYU product with the No. 2 pick of the 2021 NFL draft. 

This pick could help solidify the position for the Jets while the 21-year-old benefits with a big new deal.

Wilson will earn a projected $35,150,681 over the four-year deal based on his draft spot, per Spotrac. The new contract should also feature a $22.9 million signing bonus with a $6.4 million cap hit in 2021.

If things go well, New York will have a fifth-year option in 2025 assuming the two sides haven't already agreed to an extension.

The deal comes as part of a breakthrough year for Wilson, who was overlooked by most draft scouts after totaling just 33 passing touchdowns in his first two seasons combined. He turned things around in 2020 with 33 passing touchdowns and just three interceptions in 12 games for BYU, finishing in the top 10 of Heisman Trophy voting.

The quarterback also added 10 rushing touchdowns while ranking third in the country with 3,692 passing yards and second with a 196.4 quarterback rating. It helped the Cougars finished 11-1 as one of the best seasons in school history.

Beyond the box score, Wilson also impressed scouts throughout the year with his mobility and arm strength.

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Chris Simms of NBC Sports even called the Draper, Utah native the best quarterback in the class, ahead of Trevor Lawrence.

Wilson will now get a chance to prove it on the field for the Jets.