Days before Memorial Day, teams across the NFL have begun their organized team activities, or OTAs, this week. Among them were the New York Jets. With the new coaching staff hired this offseason, it’s a positive sign for head coach Aaron Glenn’s impact with a full house present. Due to the voluntary nature of these practices, the roster showing unity and all participating is a good first impression for this new staff. Of all the sightings, few felt happier than star wide receiver Garrett Wilson. Especially with Garrett Wilson getting a new contract extension in the future.
The former Offensive Rookie of the Year has been the talk of the team, now eligible for his first NFL contract extension. Despite trade talks in the rumor mill, the young playmaker seems committed to the organization amidst contract negotiations. Now, reunited with his college quarterback, a new head coach, and a general manager who played wide receiver as well, Wilson wants to remain for the long haul.
Report: Jets Star in Good Spirits During Contract Talks
Through examination and critical analysis, the New York Jets are ready to start anew. The leadership at the top of the team is ready to adapt. The offseason led to the hiring of a new general manager and head coach. The duo of Darren Mougey and Aaron Glenn has a lot in common. Like his general manager counterpart, Aaron Glenn is one of the few head coaches with scouting experience before becoming a head coach. If you recall, Glenn spent two seasons as a scout during the John Idzik era between 2012 and 2013. This led the duo to get younger across the depth chart. Both men seem committed to filling needs through youth and the draft. Thus, it makes it all the more important that Garrett Wilson is in New York long term. A new contract for Garrett Wilson would be a big commitment from the organization.
The Jets Need to Extend Garrett Wilson
To grasp the importance of a Garrett Wilson extension, you must look through the days of yesteryear. During the last 30 years, the Jets drafted a wide receiver in the first round three times. Initially, Keyshawn Johnson was selected with the first overall pick in 1996. He remained on the team until 2000 before being traded to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Two years later, Johnson won his first Super Bowl ring with the team.
Five years later, University of Miami star Santana Moss was selected 16th overall. Despite a 1,105-yard and ten-touchdown season under his belt, Moss was traded to the Washington Commanders instead of getting an extension. Afterwards, Moss would make the Pro Bowl in 2005 and retire with 10,283 yards and 66 career touchdowns. Stemming from the lack of commitment, New York saw two highly drafted playmakers thrive elsewhere in the primes of their careers.
Garrett Wilson’s Importance to the Franchise
That’s why it’s crucial to right those wrongs with Garrett Wilson. Along with cornerback Sauce Gardner and defensive end Jermaine Johnson, Wilson was a first-round pick in 2022 as well. Prominently featured at Ohio State, Wilson wowed fans in Columbus, Ohio. Playing with elite quarterbacks like Justin Fields and future Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud, Wilson shone premier talent. Since his selection, Wilson has lived up to the hype for New York. After three seasons in the league, he’s grown each year and developed a more well-rounded game. As a result of his 101 catch season with 1,104 yards and seven touchdowns, Wilson became the first Jet to start their career with at least 1,000 yards a season.
While many hold Justin Jefferson of the Minnesota Vikings and Ja’Marr Chase of the Cincinnati Bengals as the league’s elite, Wilson has achieved these numbers under more difficult circumstances. If anything, it should entitle Garrett Wilson’s next contract to be more than market value. Whether it’s multiple starting quarterbacks, new offensive coordinators, or a new wide receivers coach each year, Wilson displayed impressive consistency. With a lack of big playmakers in the wide receiver room, Wilson’s presence is essential if the Jets want to turn their offense around.
Garrett Wilson is Committed as Negotiations Begin
While some assumed he’d want out after Aaron Rodgers was released, Garrett Wilson appears in good spirits. Despite moving on from a legendary quarterback, Wilson is happy with the changes. After Justin Fields signed after his lone season with the Steelers, Wilson is ready for the long haul. During his first media appearance during OTAs, Wilson shared his desire to be a ‘Jet for Life’. Hopefully, a signal that negotiations between Wilson’s representatives and Darren Mougey are going well. After adding a highly coveted right tackle in Armand Membou in the first round, a contract for Wilson would be a big win for Aaron Glenn. Attempts to build the offense need careful execution. With first-time offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand, both he and Glenn want to solidify the offensive line, then move outward.
“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
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
Barring any injuries, Wilson will likely lead the team in targets for a fourth year in a row. Fortunately, that chemistry with Justin Fields will be important for Wilson to have a big year. While it’s unknown if Fields will be here in 2026, the Jets have shown great support for Wilson, willing to roll with the former Buckeyes quarterback. Without a doubt, the Jets are a better football team when Garrett Wilson is on their side. Taking the proper steps to keep him (along with Gardner, Johnson, and running back Breece Hall) for good. With time and a little luck, they can continue to grow and be there when New York finally returns to the playoffs.
Main Photo: [Kevin R. Wexler/NorthJersey.com] – USA Today Sports
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