The New York Jets officially benched their former first-round pick, quarterback Zach Wilson after a team meeting on Wednesday.
ESPN’s NFL insider Adam Schefter broke the news:
“Breaking: During a team meeting minutes ago, Jets players were informed that Zach Wilson is not starting Sunday’s game vs. the Chicago Bears, sources tell ESPN.Wilson — who had a 5-2 record as a starting QB this season, with both losses coming vs. the Pats — is being benched,” Schefter tweeted.
Wilson created headlines following last Sunday’s embarrassing 10-3 loss to the rival New England Patriots. He completed nine of his 22 passing attempts for 77 yards. He was sacked four times.
After the game, Wilson said he didn’t feel as if the Jets’ offense let the defense’s stellar performance go to waste. He also reportedly irked several teammates in the locker room after the game by acting “as if he wasn’t part of the problem.”
The Jets originally selected Wilson, then a product of the BYU Cougars football program, with the No. 2 overall selection of the 2020 season. Wilson created headlines earlier in the season after he was rumored to be involved in a love triangle with his friend’s mother.
The Jets are next in action Sunday when they host Justin Fields and the Chicago Bears.