Jets' new QB talks Zach Wilson, replacing a Hall of Famer

Newly signed New York Jets quarterback Trevor Siemian knows a little bit about what Zach Wilson is experiencing as it pertains to replacing an all-time great atop the depth chart. 

"Zach gets it, he knows there’s no pressure like the pressure you put on yourself," Siemian told reporters Wednesday, as shared by Ben Krimmel of SNY. "Zach’s wired the right way it seems, still getting to know him. I don’t think you think about that. I think Zach is doing a good job." 

The Denver Broncos made Siemian a seventh-round draft pick in 2015 months before Peyton Manning began what became his final season with the organization and as an active player. Siemian ultimately failed to cement himself as a long-term answer for Denver or any other team but nevertheless offered some advice for Wilson, who is starting after Aaron Rodgers suffered a torn Achilles in Week 1. 

"For me, I was not gonna try and be Peyton Manning," Siemian added. "I was gonna try and be Trevor Siemian." 

While Siemian was merely a lottery-ticket option for Denver in 2015, the Jets drafted Wilson with the second overall choice in 2021 but then courted Rodgers this past offseason after head coach Robert Saleh benched Wilson multiple times during the 2022 campaign. Siemian will begin his Gang Green journey on the practice squad but could be called into duty as soon as next week over Wilson and unproven backup Tim Boyle depending on what occurs during the upcoming "Sunday Night Football" game involving the 1-2 Jets and 2-1 Kansas City Chiefs at MetLife Stadium.

"No promises were given or anything like that," Siemian said about possibly playing for what was thought just a few weeks ago to be a legitimate Super Bowl contender. "These guys have two quarterbacks, they needed a third quarterback. I had some good conversations so here I am. So, I’m excited to get to work." 

Siemian could enjoy somewhat of a homecoming next month, as the Jets may need a new starting signal-caller when they play at none other than the Broncos in Week 5 on Oct. 8.