One of the Jets’ major offseason priorities has been taken care of. An extension agreement has been reached with wideout Garrett Wilson, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports.
Wilson’s new pact is four years in length and carries a value of $130MM with $90MM guaranteed, per Schefter. That works out to an average annual value of $32.5MM; the former first-rounder is the first to reach that figure after three seasons in the NFL. Given New York’s decision to pick up Wilson’s fifth-year option this spring, he is now on the books through 2030. This marks the first Jets extension for a former Day 1 pick ahead of their fourth season in the rookie wage scale era (h/t Schefter).
Adding further details on this mega-extension, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network notes Wilson will receive a $13.75MM signing bonus. The pact also contains a $20MM option bonus in its second year as well as a $10MM option bonus in Year 3. As expected, the 24-year-old is therefore due to collect on a large scale in the near future.
In terms of both total value and average compensation on a per-year basis, this deal moves Wilson to fifth at the receiver spot. The former Offensive Rookie of the Year has proven to be a focal point on offense in spite of the Jets’ level of play at the quarterback position over the past three years. To no surprise, Wilson was thus a high priority for the team on the extension front. In time for training camp, team and player worked out an agreement.
Part of the Jets’ highly successful 2022 draft class, Wilson made an immediate impact. The Ohio State product has been consistent to say the least even with New York cycling through multiple quarterbacks. Wilson has yet to miss a game in his career, and he has managed no fewer than 1,042 yards each season. Having seen his receptions total climb from 83 to 95 to 101, he will be expected to continue operating as the team’s top option in the passing game for years to come.
The Aaron Rodgers addition resulted in only four snaps played in 2023, but this past season saw the future Hall of Famer play a full campaign. Wilson and Rodgers did not mesh as well as many hoped, and the midseason arrival of Davante Adams notably altered the receiver pecking order. In the wake of that phase of his career (and the Jets’ continued inability to reach the postseason), Wilson’s future in New York became a talking point. This spring, however, he made it clear he hoped to remain in place as part of the post-Rodgers future.
Of course, the Jets’ decision to install a new coaching staff (led by Aaron Glenn) and general manager (Darren Mougey) has marked a turning point in addition to the fact Rodgers and Adams are not in place moving forward. Contract talks with Wilson have been taking place for some time now, and as of last month at least one offer was on the table. Without much issue (in terms of a potential holdout or other training camp drama), Wilson and the new decision-making regime have managed to hammer out a deal.
Now, Gang Green will turn their attention towards their ongoing negotiations with cornerback Sauce Gardner. His contract is likely to eclipse the $30MM per year mark set this offseason by Derek Stingley, who was selected one pick ahead of Gardner in the 2022 draft. Extending the two-time All-Pro would give the Jets’ new regime clear cornerstones on both sides of the ball for the foreseeable future.
Not that I’m a big fan of paying so much to any player, let alone a receiver, but considering how valuable Wilson is to the Jets, and the current going rates for top receivers, the Jets got a great deal for him.
Poor kid took the money to lose a ton of games
Same with Myles Garrett.
One of my favorite situations this year.
‘Trade me’
‘Nvm I’ll take the money. Now we def won’t build a roster but atleast I got paid’
That’s more on the team’s fault for caving in and setting the team back payroll-wise
Player says ‘I wanna win trade me.’
Then he stays cuz they offer him a ton of money with obviously no chance to win…
That’s both an organization issue and a selfish player.
Really good player, really productive despite some horrible quarterback and coordinator situations. Glad they’re keeping him around, even if they don’t seem to have gotten a discount for getting it done after three years. But numbers are only going to go up and I’m glad to see them avoid drama, even if it’s an eye-popping number.
I’m confident the Jets can find a way to reclaim the drama crown from Pittsburgh 🙂
And they play each other in Week 1, the featured early game of the CBS doubleheader. Mark your calendar for 9/7.
Well deserved. Dude got 1,000 yards every year with Zach Wilson, Mike White, Joe Flacco, Tim Boyle and few others as QB not to mention sloppy coaching and a mediocre front office
We gotta change that marker. 1500 is the new 1000.
Ok. 1000 with those QBs and offensive play-calling is essentially 1500
lol. I get getting your bag… but why would you ever sign with the Jets? Bro, your qb is the proven hack, Justin Fields. You are in an absolute proven dumpster fire of a franchise..You good with taking a few more dollars over any chance of winning?
Why wouldn’t he be? Fields (sadly) is the best QB at their current level of ability that he’s played with. If he’s been so productive with worse QBs, why should he be scared of one year with Fields that will only turn into more if Fields shows vast improvement?
Some players find value in remaining with one franchise their entire careers, while others like the challenge of trying to be part of turning a franchise around. I’m guessing Wilson likes the direction the franchise took with Mougey and Glenn. He’ll be productive, regardless.
Wow.. talk about those green covered glasses. This post reads like a Stockholm syndrome infused hostage note..
Why wouldn’t someone tie themselves to the cinderblock boat that is the New Jersey jets? Lol..:..
Jets are pivoting to Baltimore style. Run the ball and play defense. Pass-catching is a complementary skill in a run-first offense.
BTW, the cinderblock boat wears blue and has NY on the hat.
Resigning GW to such a contract means that they value elite WR talent and its not simply a “complementary” piece. The Jets are going to run the ball more but thats simply because Fields is a limited pass thrower, not because its their master plan lol
Ahh, a reply that completely ignores my point and provides no logical, thought-out reasoning.
Did I say the Jets were good anywhere in my comment? No. But if you were smart, you would’ve noticed by now that every player doesn’t wait to hit free agency so they can sign with a contender. Guys like guaranteed money and staying home. It’s not that difficult to discern… except for posters like you who provide nothing redeemable to this site with your low-effort posts.
Jets are going to do Jets things…this needed to be done.
Rumor is he’s planning on missing camp if he doesn’t get a new deal done soon.
Crickets
I don’t think this is an extension that will age well at all. Just my opinion though.
This extension unequivocally makes Wilson the Jets WR1.