Garrett Wilson: “I hope to be a Jet for life”
New York Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson expressed his desire to remain with the team long-term, marking a clear difference from last season, where public frustration fueled speculation about a possible trade.
I am hopeful to be a Jet for life and that this works out and that our best days are yet to come.
Garrett Wilson
These statements from Wilson are significant, given that he is eligible for a contract extension. Although nothing is imminent, the Jets’ management has expressed its intention to secure their key young players. Wilson, who is under contract until 2026 (with his fifth-year option recently exercised), revealed that there have been “some conversations, here and there” between his agent and the team.
Wilson had an outstanding past season, setting personal records in receptions (101), receiving yards (1,104), and touchdowns (seven). However, his body language on the field and ambiguous comments about his future generated the perception that he was unhappy.
Wilson’s change in attitude is attributed to two main factors: the arrival of coach Aaron Glenn, who has injected hope into the organization, and the change of quarterback with the incorporation of Justin Fields.
Glenn has made it clear to Wilson that he will be a fundamental player and that the goal is to “give him the ball as much as possible”.
Regarding the quarterback change, it became clear last season that Wilson and Rodgers didn’t understand each other, which created tension in their relationship. Now, Wilson will receive passes from his former Ohio State teammate, Fields. Wilson was enthusiastic about Fields.
He trusts me, I trust him. We have good communication. We speak well to each other. We know exactly what we are thinking, and that is key. … We are just trying to bring out the best in each other. That goes back five, six years.
Garrett Wilson
Fields, who signed a two-year, $40 million contract as a free agent, has impressed the Jets with what many describe as a quiet confidence. Glenn commented that Fields is “authentic.”
Glenn also said: “I like that he’s not trying to be, and I’m going to use a Bill Parcells quote now: He’s not trying to be the famous quarterback. He’s just trying to be himself.”
Rodgers’ departure prompted a controversial social media post from star defensive tackle Quinnen Williams, who said in February: “Another rebuilding year for me, I guess.” He later deleted the post.
On Wednesday, Williams said he regretted his reaction.
Glenn, not content with the publication, discussed it with Williams at that moment. Now that he has had the opportunity to become familiar with Glenn and the new staff, Williams said he is “super, super excited and super, super confident that we are going in the right direction to win football games and do the things I want to do.”
Williams, one of the longest-tenured players on the team, has experienced six consecutive losing seasons since being drafted in 2019. The Jets have gone 14 years without reaching the playoffs, the longest active drought in the league.
Williams expressed his desire to change the narrative of the Jets’ losing streaks and playoff drought, and to leave a mark before retiring.
