Garrett Wilson has been one of the lone bright spots on the New York Jets since the franchise selected him tenth overall in the 2022 NFL Draft.
While they have failed to win more than seven games in any of his three seasons and consistently been one of the worst offenses in the league, the former Ohio State Buckeyes star has recorded at least 1,000 yards in each year.
He has a total of 3,249 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns on 279 receptions, earning 2022 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year honors. While he is eligible for a contract extension, he opted not to hold out for a new deal. Meanwhile, the Jets have already exercised his fifth-year option for the 2026 season. Wilson recently discussed his contract situation with New York.
Garrett Wilson Weighs In On Contract Situation With Jets
Wilson is set to earn $6.5 million in 2025 before earning $16.8 million on his fifth-year option the following season. While that number will likely double on his next deal, he will not hold out for a new deal. He shared his reason for that while speaking with the media on Wednesday, stating:
“Garrett Wilson on why he’s been here even though he’s eligible for a new contract: “I want to be part of something special. I don’t think a whole bunch of individuals makes something special.” Said he wanted to get to know his new teammates, his new coaches. “There’s a way you go about business when you love what you do.””
Garrett Wilson on why he's been here even though he's eligible for a new contract: "I want to be part of something special. I don't think a whole bunch of individuals makes something special."
Said he wanted to get to know his new teammates, his new coaches.
"There's a way you…
— Zack Rosenblatt (@ZackBlatt)
Wilson has managed to thrive despite the lack of stability under center in New York. During his three-year career, the franchise has started six different quarterbacks and never ranked better than 24th in the league in scoring offense or total yards.
He is set to reunite with his college quarterback, Justin Fields, on the Jets after the former Chicago Bears and Pittsburgh Steelers signal career signed a two-year, $40 million contract with $30 million in guarantees at the onset of free agency. Wilson revealed that he is hoping to remain with New York for the rest of his career.
The Jets will look for their offense to take a step forward under new head coach Aaron Glenn. They ranked 19th in the league offensively, according to PFSN’s Offense+ metric. While Fields has struggled at times early in his career, he did show some promise in six starts last season.
He threw for 1,106 yards, five touchdowns and one interception while completing 65.8% of his pass attempts. The 11th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft added 289 rushing yards and five touchdowns on 62 carries, while leading the Steelers to a 4-2 record.