Aaron Rodgers says he's still talking to Zach Wilson

The New York Jets will see a familiar face on the opposing sideline when they host the Denver Broncos this Sunday: their former No. 2 overall pick, Zach Wilson.

Speaking to the media before Sunday's contest, quarterback Aaron Rodgers revealed that he still has a relationship with Wilson. “I still keep an eye on him and stay in touch with him here and there,” Rodgers said. “I love Zach and have always looked at him like a little brother. I enjoyed our time together on and off the field and wish him every success.

“I was really happy for him with the way he finished pre-season. And, you know, I think this would be a good year for him to recalibrate and then hopefully he gets a chance down the road.”

Rodgers spent one season with Wilson before he moved to Denver in April.

Rodgers isn't the only person within the Jets organization to praise Wilson. Head coach Robert Saleh also praised Wilson, stating, “I still stand here and believe he's going to have a heck of a career, that he's going to get a chance and be a very successful quarterback in this league.” You know, sometimes it is just like I said: you are thrown into the fire and try to learn, but you don't have the patience to learn.

“You know, it's like you're expected to come straight out of the womb and speak five languages, but that takes time, especially coming from the college game, which is now so different from the NFL game. Game differs as far as quarterbacks are concerned.”

Saleh concluded: “So there is a development part. Some people hit the ground running, and it's great. And some people get teams where the team just isn't ready to support a rookie quarterback. But at the same time, they were drafted early for a reason. If they just persevere and get the right opportunity, you can trust that they might figure it out.”

If the Jets look to earn their third win of the 2024 season on Sunday, Wilson will likely be watching from the sidelines as he is the Broncos' third quarterback and has been inactive in each of the team's first three games. According to FanDuel Sportsbook, the Jets are the 7.5-point favorite.