The New York Jets are currently spiraling, and star wide receiver Garrett Wilson’s recent comments haven’t done much to quell growing trade speculation surrounding his future. A first-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, Wilson had an impressive rookie season, recording 83 receptions for 1,103 yards and four touchdowns, which earned him Rookie of the Year honors. Now, in his third season, he’s on track for another 1,000-yard performance, continuing to solidify his reputation as one of the league’s top young wideouts. With Wilson soon eligible for a contract extension, rumors are intensifying as his future with the Jets becomes increasingly uncertain.
Wilson recently addressed his situation, and his ambiguous response only fueled the speculation. When asked about his contract status, Wilson appeared open to an extension but also stressed he wasn’t overly concerned about it. “I don’t know, man,” he said, per ESPN’s Rich Cimini. “I just go about my day… If they [extend me], that would be a blessing. It would be awesome. I love the Jets. At the end of the day, they were the ones that believed in me. But, yeah, I can’t be worrying about that.”
His response suggests he would be happy to remain with the Jets, but the lack of extension talks is noteworthy. Given that the Jets haven’t engaged him in discussions, it’s unclear whether they view him as part of their long-term plans. Wilson still has two years left on his rookie contract, and the Jets could exercise his fifth-year option, making him a free agent in 2026. However, as one of the NFL’s top young talents, the cost to retain him will likely increase as he continues to develop, which raises questions about whether the Jets will commit to a long-term deal or look to move him for future assets.
With uncertainty at the quarterback position and the team in a bit of a rebuilding phase, the Jets might consider trading Wilson to maximize their return in draft capital. The upcoming 2025 quarterback draft class is considered weak, so the Jets could use additional picks to trade up and secure a potential franchise quarterback. Given Wilson’s status as a young, high-impact player, several teams would likely be interested in acquiring him. Here are five teams that could be strong candidates for a trade.