New York Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson surfaced in NFL trade rumors this offseason, with multiple reports raising doubts about his future with the franchise. In a Jets offseason that has already seen a significant overhaul, there’s much more clarity on Wilson’s long-term outlook with the team.
The Jets brought in new leadership, hiring former Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn as head coach and Denver Broncos executive Darren Mougey as general manager. With new decision-makers at the top came the need to make calls on the futures of players like Wilson, Aaron Rodgers and Davante Adams.
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- Garrett Wilson stats (ESPN): 101 receptions, 1,104 receiving yards, 7 touchdowns
New York quickly decided on Rodgers, announcing before the Super Bowl that he would be released this offseason. That moves also all but guarantees that Pro Bowl wide receiver Davante Adams will be released, which would free up $29.887 million if he is cut before June 1. Wilson’s future seems to be tied into all of this.
According to ESPN‘s Rich Cimini, Rodgers being pushed out by the Jets organization “greatly increases the chances” of Wilson sticking around for the 2025 season and potentially beyond.
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As Cimini noted, there was a belief that the relationship between Rodgers and Wilson deteriorated last season. From a heated conversation in training camp to mounting issues during the regular season, it was only made worse by a belief among some in the Jets’ locker room that Rodgers favored throwing to Adams over Wilson.
- Garrett Wilson contract (Spotrac): $6.539 million cap hit in 2025, club option for 2026
Now that the veteran quarterback is gone, Wilson can effectively get a fresh start with the team that drafted him. Jets offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand can make Wilson a focal point in the passing game, with Glenn helping in the search to find who will be the starting quarterback.
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As of now, the early front-runner to be the Jets starting quarterback in 2025 is veteran Tyrod Taylor. Given he had the respect of the locker room and a good relationship with Wilson, that further increases the likelihood of New York’s No. 1 receiver sticking around next season.