NY Jets players report to training camp, but contract situation keeps Zach Wilson away

Andy Vasquez
NFL writer
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The Jets hold a press conference in Florham Park, NJ on July 27, 2021 attended by linebacker CJ Mosely and Mekhi Becton where they spoke about the start of training camp that starts at the Jets training facility tomorrow.

FLORHAM PARK — New York Jets players reported to training camp on Tuesday morning, taking the first step toward the regular season. But one player, arguably the most important player on the roster, was missing: quarterback Zach Wilson.

The Jets and Wilson, the No. 2 overall pick in April's NFL Draft, have yet to agree to terms on his contract. It's unclear exactly what the issue is, but it's almost certainly the language in his contract.

Jets coach Robert Saleh said Tuesday that he's not frustrated by the prospect of not having his projected starting quarterback for the beginning of training camp and that he has faith in general manager Joe Douglas to handle the situation.

"This is business," Joe has a great handle on everything and when it gets done, it gets done. ... So we'll see what happens here in the next couple hours."

Wilson missing the first day of camp doesn't look good for the Jets, who are trying to set a new tone in Saleh's first year as coach. But it doesn't have much of a meaningful impact because not much happens on the day players report: this is a day for players to take their physicals, take a conditioning test and go through meetings.

The Jets hold a press conference in Florham Park, NJ on July 27, 2021 attended by Coach Robert Saleh talking about the start of training camp that starts at the Jets training facility tomorrow.

However on Wednesday, when they practice for the first time, Wilson would start missing out on reps. The Jets are scheduled to take the field at 10:20 a.m. If Wilson isn't there, that's when it starts to become more of a problem.

The Jets have been through this in the recent past with a quarterback and a high draft pick: in 2018, Sam Darnold sat out of the first three practices of camp before agreeing to sign his rookie deal. The disagreement between Darnold and the Jets was over offset language in his contract and the timing of the payout of his signing bonus.

So what's the issue with Wilson's contract?

We know for sure isn't a disagreement over his salary. All rookie contracts are slotted based on draft position, so whenever Wilson does sign it will be a four-year deal worth about $35.1 million guaranteed, including a $22.9 million signing bonus with a team option for a fifth season.

The Jets and Wilson's reps are likely haggling over the offset language in his contract. Teams want offset language in a contract, and usually get it, because it allows them to minimize the amount of money they have to pay a player if they cut him and he gets signed by another team. With offset language, if the cut player was due to make $12 million with the Jets and his new team pays him $9 million, the Jets would only owe $3 million.

Players don't want offset language in the contract because without it, they can get paid fully by both teams. Using the above example, the player would make $21 million in a season without offset language instead of $12 million with it.

The Jets did not end up including offset language in their deal with Darnold and traditionally don't include offset language in deals.

Wilson's reps have some leverage because No. 1 overall pick Trevor Lawrence's deal with Jacksonville did not include offset language. But the Jets would likely point out that the Jaguars are one of only two NFL teams that don't use offset language in deals.

Wilson and the Jets aren't the only ones who have failed to reach an agreement before the start of camp. The 49ers and No. 3 overall pick Trey Lance still have not come to terms.

Of course, there's no denying that this is a less than ideal way to start a new era of football for the Jets. But how big of a deal is it really? Well, it all depends on how much of training camp Wilson misses.

The Jets faced heavy criticism when Darnold in 2018, under a different general manager at the time, faced heavy criticism in 2018 when Darnold missed those three practices early in training camp. But it was ultimately forgotten within a week and had no long-term impact on his career.

If the Jets and Wilson come to a deal by this weekend, history will likely repeat itself in that regard. But starting on Monday the Jets will be allowed to practice in pads for the first time. And if Wilson isn't on the field then, it will become a much bigger issue — one that could hurt his preparation for the season.

"From a rookie standpoint you need as many reps as you can," Saleh said. "It’s something he’ll have to navigate through. I’ve got a lot of faith in Zach too. He is incredibly intelligent, he’s got a tremendous drive so when he does get here, I know somehow someway he’ll make up for it."


Email: vasqueza@northjersey.com 

Twitter: @andy_vasquez 

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