The New York Jets drafted Garrett Wilson with the 10th pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. Since then, despite poor quarterback play, he’s arguably been the team’s most consistent player.
Per ESPN’s Rich Cimini, Wilson could ask the Jets to trade him after the season. This news surprised many NFL fans but is understandable given the continued dysfunction he’s endured, especially at quarterback.
Fans React to Garrett Wilson’s Trade Rumors
Wilson still has one year left on his rookie deal, and the Jets will likely pick up his fifth-year option as well. The star receiver has little leverage to request a trade, but if the right offer comes, the franchise might have no choice but to pivot.
Needless to say, fans of other teams were excited at the prospect of Wilson being available.
get him off that poverty franchise
— Dyl 👽 (@dylll25) December 18, 2024
“His talent should not be wasted in green,” mused one fan.
Another fan added, “I don’t blame him. I can’t take this losing…and I’m not even on the team.”
RUN IT BACK pic.twitter.com/kXBXOOXLie
— JalenGreen⁴💫 (10-7 & 23-29) (@JalenGreenClaps) December 18, 2024
“This is something Las Vegas should be all over after they get their QB,” said one Raiders fan.
This does not shock me in the slightest if he wants out, I can fully understand why he would want to go to a team that can compete year in year out 😪 https://t.co/97bH3pQCtj
— Frazer Campbell (@frazerc11) December 18, 2024
“Good for him,” one fan wrote. “This franchise is ruining his career.”
The Jets drafted Sauce Gardner, Breece Hall, Jermaine Johnson, and Wilson in the 2022 Draft. All four are among the best players at their respective positions, but the team has still failed to find success.
New York’s troubles finding consistency at quarterback and offensive line have defined Wilson’s tenure. The Jets have struggled the most at these two positions since his arrival, and even Aaron Rodgers hasn’t been enough to find the win column with any regularity. Regardless, the 24-year-old wideout has continued to put up impressive numbers across the board.
As evidenced by some of the fan reactions, basically every team in the NFL would be interested in adding a receiver of Wilson’s caliber. Whether the Jets trade him remains to be seen, but this rumor has some legs.
Leaving the Jets Could Help Wilson’s Career
Wilson currently leads New York in these categories:
- Receptions – 84
- Receiving yards – 933
- Receiving touchdowns – Six
- Targets – 134
- 20+ yard receptions – 14
The Jets were projected to be a Super Bowl contender this year, and Wilson, unlike other players on the team, held up his end of the bargain. He will be eligible for a contract extension after this season. Although the Jets won’t hesitate to pay him, the receiver might be looking to put himself in a situation more conducive to success.
New York is expected to consider drafting a new quarterback in 2025 and playing with a rookie might be something Wilson is not looking forward to. He has already played alongside Zach Wilson, Mike White, and a regressing version of Rodgers. Nobody can blame Wilson for potentially wanting to play on a team with a better quarterback and an organization that can put him in a position to perform in the playoffs.
Wilson is on his way to start his NFL career with three straight 1,000-yard seasons. A budding superstar with the Jets, teams around the league should be calling just in case Wilson is available.