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Garrett Wilson Secures Long-Term Deal with Jets, Signaling a New Era
The New York Jets have made a notable commitment to their star wide receiver, Garrett Wilson, by agreeing to a contract extension that will keep him with the team for the foreseeable future. This move positions Wilson as a cornerstone of the franchise, distinguishing him from other prominent free agents who remain unsigned.
Wilson’s new deal boasts an average annual value of $32.5 million, placing him among the league’s elite pass-catchers. His earnings now rank fifth among all wide receivers,trailing only Ja’Marr Chase ($40.25 million),Justin Jefferson ($35 million),CeeDee Lamb ($34 million),and DK Metcalf ($33 million). This extension marks a notable achievement for Wilson, as he is the first Jets first-round draft selection to receive an extension after his third season under the NFL’s current financial framework, which began in 2011.
Beyond Wilson,the Jets’ front office,led by General manager Joe Douglas,is prioritizing the extension of cornerback Sauce Gardner,the 2022 Offensive Player of the Year. Securing Gardner’s future represents Douglas’s most substantial financial decision to date.
Signs pointing towards wilson’s contract resolution were evident earlier this spring. Both Wilson and Gardner were notably present and engaged at Jets training camp, participating in voluntary workouts. This proactive involvement suggests that contract negotiations were progressing favorably, as many athletes often leverage their absence from such activities to strengthen their bargaining position. Wilson’s consistent attendance at voluntary sessions was a strong indicator of positive dialog between him and the team.Wilson, who will celebrate his 25th birthday on July 22nd, delivered another stellar performance in the 2024 season.He recorded career highs across the board, hauling in 101 receptions for 1,104 receiving yards and seven touchdowns. Since being drafted 10th overall in 2022, Wilson has demonstrated remarkable durability, playing in every game and surpassing the 1,000-yard mark each season, despite a revolving door of seven different quarterbacks throwing him the ball.
The agreement is a mutually beneficial outcome, aligning with Wilson’s expressed desire to remain a Jet. “I’m hopeful I’m a Jet for life and we get this thing rolling and that all of our best days are ahead of us,” Wilson stated in May. “I don’t know exactly what that looks like, but I’m going to go do my part to make sure that it’s undeniable when the time does come.”
However, the path to this contract wasn’t always smooth, especially as the 2024 season concluded. The much-anticipated connection with Aaron Rodgers never fully materialized, and the mid-season acquisition of Davante Adams, Rodgers’ former teammate, further complex matters for Wilson.Adams’ arrival led to a reduction in Wilson’s targets and relegated him to the secondary option in the receiving corps. The Jets endured a challenging 5-12 record last year, following 7-10 seasons in 2022 and 2023, which contributed to visible on-field frustration for Wilson.
Nevertheless, the arrival of Justin Fields, Wilson’s former quarterback at Ohio State, has reignited a palpable spark. “I didn’t think we’d get this opportunity on this level,” Wilson commented on reuniting with Fields. “It’s exciting. I’m still taking it in all the way. It’s cool. We’ve definitely been picking up where we left off.” This renewed chemistry with a familiar face bodes well for the Jets’ offensive future.
