The New York Jets have not had a home grown wide receiver that is a true number 1 since Keyshawn Johnson, but they have one in Garrett Wilson. The question is: how long will they have him? If it were up to Wilson, the answer would be “for life”. At least that is what he is saying now.
Speaking to the media at Jets OTAs this week, Wilson was asked if he wanted to remain with the Jets after there were some unconfirmed reports that the star wide receiver might be seeking a trade. In response, Wilson said, "I'm hopeful that I'm a Jet for life, we get this thing rolling and all of our best days are ahead of us"
"I'm hopeful that I'm a Jet for life, we get this thing rolling and all of our best days are ahead of us"
- Garrett Wilson pic.twitter.com/7A6MjLvSGP— Jets Videos (@snyjets) May 21, 2025
This is the first time we have heard something like this from Wilson, and it should be music to Jets fan’s ears. He is the most dynamic offensive player the Jets have had in decades, and he is willing to stay with a team, who frankly, have wasted the early part of his career.
Wilson has already caught the eye of his new head coach.
Aaron Glenn's takeaway from getting to know Garrett Wilson?
"Give him the ball as much as possible." pic.twitter.com/f14WHujpk7— Jets Videos (@snyjets) May 21, 2025
So, the question now becomes, what is the hold up to getting a long term extension done with Wilson. If he wants to be with the team, and the team should obviously want to keep him around, why hasn’t he signed a new deal yet? He said the sides have had a “few discussions.”
Wilson became eligible for a contract extension after the 2024 season. He is scheduled to make $1.1 million in base salary and count $6.54 million against the cap in 2025 before his fifth-year option in 2026.
My guess is the Jets are trying to play hardball when it comes to the contract and if we have learned anything from watching other teams in similar positions, it is the longer you wait, the more it will cost. Every star player that signs a contract is essentially resetting the market and more often than not, it goes in favor of the player. If the Jets continue to wait to sign Wilson (or Sauce Gardner, Jermaine Johnson or Breece Hall for that matter), the more likely that the price tag will go up.
New GM Darren Mougey has expressed an interest in getting Wilson signed, but it is time to get the situation locked up before things turn contentious.
