Although change was a major theme of the New York Jets‘ offseason, taking care of their own was an underlying tone set by general manager Darren Mougey. Head coach Aaron Glenn and company are clearly building for the future. That was made evident by contract extensions for cornerback Sauce Gardner and wide receiver Garrett Wilson.
The latter move, a five-year pact that will tack onto Wilson’s rookie deal, is hefty. It’s a commitment to him becoming a Pro Bowl player in New York. Ranking fifth among all wideouts in annual contract value, the former first-round pick has the bar set high. Luckily, Wilson has done nothing but live up to the hype so far. One outlet isn’t shying away from predicting he’ll continue that in 2025-26.
In a story for NFL.com, Kevin Patra listed Wilson as the Jets player who is a potential first-time Pro Bowler this season.
Garrett Wilson Predicted to Make First Pro Bowl Team of Career
Patra cites Wilson overcoming poor quarterback situations as something that deserves respect. Even in suboptimal circumstances, he’s managed to put up good numbers.
With Justin Fields now under center, Patra thinks Wilson may be due for a career year.
“We come to another player who inked a big deal this offseason before making his first Pro Bowl,” Patra wrote. “The fact that Wilson was boxed out of the all-star column is a testament to the otherworldly talents the NFL currently boasts at receiver. Wilson is every bit as skilled as his decorated peers, with stellar hands, a knack for getting open and the ridiculous ability to contort his body and make mind-bending plays seem ho-hum. In light of the caliber of quarterback he’s played alongside, Wilson deserves more than a Pro Bowl nod for generating 1,000 yards in each of his three pro seasons — he should get a medal of valor.”
In just three years, Wilson has established himself as one of the NFL’s best young talents. His age-25 campaign comes with hopes for improvement. After a 101-catch, 1,104-yard, 7-touchdown season, what would get Wilson a Pro Bowl nod next January?
To be frank, it wouldn’t take much improvement. Just consider the AFC field from last season:
- Ja’Marr Chase (Cincinnati Bengals): 127 receptions, 1,708 yards, 17 touchdowns
- Brian Thomas Jr. (Jacksonville Jaguars): 87 receptions, 1,282 yards, 10 touchdowns
- Jerry Jeudy (Cleveland Browns): 90 receptions, 1,229 yards, 4 touchdowns
- Zay Flowers (Baltimore Ravens): 74 receptions, 1,059 yards, 4 touchdowns
- Nico Collins (Houston Texans): 68 receptions, 1,006 yards, 7 touchdowns
Flowers didn’t participate — that’s why five names are listed. Wilson hauled in more passes than all but Chase, had more yards than Flowers and Collins and had more touchdowns than both Jeudy and Flowers. He can absolutely make it.
Jets’ Wide Receivers Won’t Challenge Wilson for Targets in 2025
Multiple things can be true: New York’s wideout room is crowded, yet it still shouldn’t hurt Wilson. In fact, the lack of high-end talent there should help him keep delivering big-time statistical performances. Fewer stars to compete with means more balls thrown the do-it-all receiver’s way.
If Wilson can produce his best personal numbers last season, he might be foolproof. After all, he never jelled with quarterback Aaron Rodgers. The veteran signal-caller oftentimes went to old friends like Davante Adams and Allen Lazard in the passing game. Wilson fought an imperfect environment all year long and rose above it anyway.
This offseason, the club added some competition for secondary and tertiary spots. Josh Reynolds is slated to be the Jets’ No. 2 wideout. Behind him (and potentially Lazard), fourth-round pick Arian Smith is making a name for himself. He still has work to do, though, as does someone like Tyler Johnson. Brandon Smith is a fun sleeper story, but he won’t challenge for real snaps. Xavier Gipson and Jamaal Pritchett are special-teamers. Not everyone from this group will make the eventual 53-man roster.
Wilson remains the straw that stirs the drink. If the young standout continues along this arc, Patra’s prediction might just come true.
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