Aaron Rodgers is your prototypical lightning rod. Just ask Shannon Sharpe.
"It couldn't happen to a more smug, cavalier, condescending guy." – Shannon Sharpe on Aaron Rodgers. pic.twitter.com/4792YP5n1m
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) October 28, 2024
The list of pundits who feel the Jets quarterback is, indeed, smug is a relatively long one.
There might be a time in the not-too-distant-future when we can add a certain wide receiver to that pile: Garrett Wilson. Since Rodgers relocated to the East Coast in 2023, the Jets’ WR2 hasn’t vibed with the future Hall of Famer, either in the locker room or on the turf.
Wilson’s frustration with their lack of on-field chemistry is odd, considering he’s having one heck of a year. His six touchdowns are a career-high, he’s poised to top 1,000 yards for the third consecutive season, and will finish 2024 ranked inside the top 10 in targets.
The former Ohio State Buckeye has been vocal about his annoyance, saying, “I’d like to be involved, love to make an impact on the game, but people see it differently. That’s out of my control.”
What’s the Problem Between Aaron Rodgers and Garrett Wilson?
Admittedly, Wilson has made less of an impact since the Jets acquired Rodgers’ buddy from his Green Bay Packers days, Davante Adams, on Oct. 15. Before Adams’ arrival, Wilson’s target share was 30.3%; afterward, it dropped to 24.3%.
Adams has heated up over the last month, a fact that’s quantified by Rodgers’ ball distribution. In each of the Jets’ last four outings, Wilson has seen 10 tosses, while Rodgers has gone Adams’ way 12, 11, 12, and 13 times.
This isn’t a huge divide, but over that stretch, the Jets are 1-3. Fewer targets, no wins, and a smug huddle isn’t the ideal situation for an intense, hungry young receiver.
All of which is why it’s not shocking that Wilson might officially ask out.
Garrett B. Gone
Numbers aside, Wilson and Rodgers just might not like each other, speculatively.
BREAKING:
“All is not well between Aaron Rodgers and Garrett Wilson,” per Ian Rapoport.
The film shows Wilson getting open, Rapoport writes, but Rodgers simply delivers the ball elsewhere.
The two had a “blowup” during Training Camp and haven’t been able to recover the… pic.twitter.com/74rYASQHzI
— John Frascella (Football) (@NFLFrascella) December 29, 2024
Their antagonism isn’t a recent development: They’ve been at each other’s throats since training camp:
Aaron Rodgers and Garrett Wilson got in a heated discussion during practice?!?
GOOD.
Teammates have to be willing to challenge each other to find greatness.
This is leadership from 2 guys that have Super Bowl on their mind and want it right now. I LOVE THIS.
🎥 @NYJFanView pic.twitter.com/rGm7tNAxG0
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) July 27, 2024
The rocky relationship might not matter come 2025 if, as many expect, the Jets don’t keep Rodgers in the building. As Ian Rapoport explained, “The soon-to-be 41-year-old QB has one year remaining on his deal with the Jets, but there is no guaranteed money left, and Rodgers is due a $35 million option bonus if New York decides to bring him back. The uncertainty around the organization could move him and the brass-to-be to part ways.”
Even if the Jets jettison Rodgers, Wilson’s relationship with the New York franchise might be wrecked to the point that a trade is imminent. And there would be plenty of takers.
Where Might Wilson Land?
A fantastic route runner with sticky hands and a 4.38 40-yard dash time to his name, Wilson would be a sought-after figure. For instance …
- If Chicago decides to part ways with Keenan Allen, the Bears could send the Jets one of their two 2025 second-round picks in exchange for Wilson (Bovada Sportsbook lists Chicago as the favorite to land Wilson).
- The New England Patriots are in desperate need of a top-shelf wide receiver and have nine picks in the 2025 NFL Draft, two of which are third-rounders.
- What with Deebo Samuel Sr. and Brandon Aiyuk’s respective injury issues, it wouldn’t be difficult to envision Kyle Shanahan’s San Francisco 49ers getting into the Wilson sweepstakes.
- The Carolina Panthers have a whopping 10 picks in the 2025 NFL Draft and could very much use a high-end target for Bryce Young.
It’s possible New York will give Rodgers another year. It’s also possible that the Jets and Wilson could kiss and make up. But the way things stand now, it appears that Wilson’s days in Gotham Green are numbered.