Jets will be 'aggressive as heck' to upgrade at QB, says Saleh
The New York Jets are intent on making improvements on the offensive side of the ball, head coach Robert Saleh declared Thursday.
"We're gonna attack the heck out of our O-line with regards to getting healthy and adding to it, and we are going to be aggressive as heck when it comes to quarterback play and making sure that we do everything we can to satisfy that position," Saleh said, according to SNY TV.
Jets quarterback Zach Wilson struggled in his second season, finishing with a 5-4 record with six touchdowns and seven interceptions. Wilson's 1,688 passing yards in 2022 ranked 33rd in the NFL.
Owner Woody Johnson conceded that Wilson had a difficult season.
"Zach had a tough year. There's no denying that," Johnson said, according to Andy Vasquez of NJ.com. Johnson added that he saw the same "kernels of talent" Wilson displayed during his college career at BYU and remains hopeful the 23-year-old can bounce back.
Wilson was the second overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. Quarterbacks Trey Lance, Justin Fields, and Mac Jones were all selected after Wilson, who posted a 3-10 record in his rookie season.
Johnson said he's ready to open his checkbook to get a better signal-caller.
"Absolutely," Johnson said when asked if he's willing to spend what it takes to upgrade at quarterback, according to Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic.
"It's the missing piece," the owner added.
The Jets have already made moves to alter their offense, parting ways with offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur and offensive line coach John Benton.
Johnson has been adamant with Saleh that it's necessary to overhaul the offensive staff, and quarterbacks coach Rob Calabrese will also likely be fired, sources told theScore's NFL insider Jordan Schultz.
Tom Brady and Jimmy Garoppolo are slated to become free agents this offseason, while Raiders quarterback Derek Carr is on the trade block.