The New York Jets are in a tailspin, and star wide receiver Garrett Wilson did nothing to halt the growing trade rumors. A first-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, Wilson hit the ground running, recording 83 receptions for 1,103 yards and four touchdowns during his first year in the league while winning Rookie of the Year honors. Now on pace for his third 1,000-yard campaign in as many seasons, Wilson will soon be eligible for a contract extension. Recently, the wide receiver addressed his immediate future, and his language suggested a trade could be on the table.
“I don’t know, man,” Wilson said, via ESPN’s Rich Cimini. “I just go about my day…If they [extend me], that would be a blessing. It would be awesome. I love the Jets. At the end of the day, they were the ones that believed in me. But, yeah, I can’t be worrying about that.”
Garrett Wilson Trade Rumors Grow After Confusing Non-Answer
Reading between the lines, it appears that Garrett Wilson would welcome an extension, but the Jets have yet to engage in talks. Assuming New York uses the fifth-year option on his contract, Wilson will hit free agency following the 2026 season. While the Jets don’t need to extend him any time soon, it’s weird that they seemingly haven’t discussed it. Wilson is one of the league’s better young players and plays a premium position, so his cost will only rise as his career progresses.
With no long-term answer at quarterback, the Jets could trade Garrett Wilson for as much draft capital as possible. The 2025 quarterback draft class is a weak one, so New York could use extra picks to trade up and land their potential savior. Every team in the league should be interested in landing a young playmaker like Wilson, but these five teams make the most sense.
Possible Landing Spots
New Orleans Saints
Despite firing head coach Dennis Allen, nobody expects the New Orleans Saints to rebuild in the offseason. Infamous for restructuring deals to kick the can down the road, General Manager Mickey Loomis believes he can build a winner with the current roster, which means Derek Carr and company will be back for another season. However, their salary cap turmoil means they can’t afford to add expensive talent in free agency. Garrett Wilson still has two years on his rookie contract, so the Saints could trade for him and work on an extension to keep his 2025 and 2026 cap hits low.
Washington Commanders
The Washington Commanders have the biggest competitive advantage in football: a franchise quarterback on a rookie contract. Second-overall pick Jayden Daniels is the real deal, as the LSU product has guided this once-lost franchise to a 9-5 record while ranking near the top of most efficiency metrics. The foundation is in place for success, now it’s time for Washington to build a legitimate contender. Terry McLaurin is a great receiver, but this passing attack needs another dangerous threat. McLaurin and Wilson could form one of the league’s most dangerous duos and could put this team in the Super Bowl next year.
Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs have the best record in football, but that’s primarily due to absurd luck in one-score games. While nobody will ever bet against the elite combination of Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid, this team needs younger, reliable weapons. While it’s too late to add Wilson for the 2024 campaign, he could be a crucial part of the 2025 offense. With Rashee Rice’s future uncertain and the jury still out on first-round pick Xavier Worthy, Wilson could be the much-needed WR1 for one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history.
Baltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens have solid wide receivers in Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman, but they lack a true difference-maker at the position. Franchise quarterback Lamar Jackson is one of the best in the league, but the two-time MVP could use more help to compensate for a defense with several holes that probably cannot all be addressed in one offseason. Baltimore’s offense is already difficult to slow down, but adding Wilson to the mix could make it unstoppable. Jackson is an elite dual threat, Wilson can consistently beat single coverage, and Derrick Henry can dominate light boxes. No matter how opposing defenses play Baltimore, they will be at a disadvantage.
Los Angeles Chargers
The Los Angeles Chargers found a great young player in second-round pick Ladd McConkey and he should have a bright future with Justin Herbert. However, the rest of the depth chart needs some serious work. Head coach Jim Harbaugh wants to win with defense and a strong running game, but he’ll have a hard time saying no to this potential pairing. Put simply, teams won’t be able to cover McConkey and Wilson, especially with an elite quarterback like Herbert tossing the ball. Armed with over $76 million in cap space, the Chargers can trade and extend Garrett Wilson and still address their other needs.
Main Photo: Corey Perrine – USA Today Sports
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