Eyes on a Contract Extension
New York Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson is hoping for a contract extension that would secure his future with the team. “You know, I’m hopeful I’m a Jet for life,” Wilson said Wednesday. “And that we get this thing rolling and that all of our best days are ahead of us.”
This is a shift from the frustration he expressed last season, when it appeared he might consider leaving New York. A new coaching staff has brought a new perspective for the standout wide receiver.
“When the time does come and those conversations are being had,” he said, “I’m going to try to do my part to make sure that it’s undeniable.”
Contract Details and Market Comparison
Wilson, the No. 10 overall pick in the 2022 draft, remains under contract for two more years. The Jets recently picked up his fifth-year option for 2026, valued at around $16.8 million.
An extension would likely more than double that annual figure. It’s uncertain whether Wilson will aim to top the wide receiver market, where Justin Jefferson and Ja’Marr Chase currently lead with deals worth $35 million and $40.25 million per year, respectively.
Despite instability at quarterback, Wilson has posted over 1,000 receiving yards in each of his first three NFL seasons. With a reliable quarterback, his production could soar even higher. The Jets’ latest attempt to resolve their quarterback issues involves Justin Fields.
New head coach Aaron Glenn doesn’t plan to change the team’s approach to utilizing Wilson. “Give him the ball as much as possible, that’s it,” Glenn said.
Team Commitment Over Personal Leverage
With uncertainty surrounding the Jets’ receiving corps, Wilson is expected to have a major role in the offense. The open question is whether he’ll start the season with a new contract or if talks will be delayed.
Wilson isn’t pressing the issue. He joined the team for voluntary workouts rather than holding out to leverage a new deal. “I want to be a part of something special,” he said, via the Associated Press.
“I don’t think that a whole bunch of individuals makes something special. As a group aspect, this is a group thing and I wanted to get in and know my teammates. I want to get in to know my coaches, even. This is a new staff. Learn the material that they’re putting out and not be the guy that’s behind when this thing is mandatory (in minicamp in June), right? There’s a way you go about business when you love what you do.”
