New York Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson, whose future with the team seemed uncertain at the end of last season, has finalized a four-year contract extension worth $130 million. This deal makes him one of the highest-paid receivers in the NFL, according to sources who spoke with ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Monday.
The contract guarantees $90 million, which ranks as the fourth-highest amount for a wide receiver’s agreement, sources told Schefter. This is also the first time in NFL history that a receiver has averaged over $31 million after just three seasons. Wilson’s new average of $32.5 million places him fifth among NFL wide receivers.
Wilson was drafted 10th overall in 2022 and had two years left on his rookie contract, including a fifth-year option for 2026 that is guaranteed at $16.8 million.
For the Jets, this contract carries great importance. Most notably, it secures a top player through the 2030 season. The team is also working on an extension for cornerback Sauce Gardner, who was drafted fourth overall in 2022.
This is the first occasion under the NFL’s current financial rules, established in 2011, that the Jets have signed a former first-round draft choice during his first year of eligibility (after three seasons). The last player to receive an extension was defensive tackle Quinnen Williams, who had to wait four years.
The new leadership for the Jets, led by coach Aaron Glenn and general manager Darren Mougey, has made it clear from the start that their goal is to retain top young talent, something previous managements struggled to achieve.
“I hope I can stay a Jet for life and that we can start winning together and have our best days ahead,” Wilson mentioned in May.
Last season, Wilson achieved career highs with 101 receptions, 1,104 receiving yards, and seven touchdowns. However, his body language during games and some vague comments about his future made it seem like he was unhappy. There were rumors that he might ask for a trade.
Two main factors helped change Wilson’s outlook. First was the arrival of coach Aaron Glenn, who expressed his desire to get Wilson the ball “as much as possible.” The switch at quarterback also played a significant role.
Last season, it was obvious that Wilson and Aaron Rodgers didn’t get along, which caused some issues between them. Rodgers was let go in March. Now, Wilson will be receiving passes from Justin Fields, who used to be his teammate at Ohio State. Both players have expressed excitement about getting back together.
As Wilson approaches his 25th birthday next week, he has the opportunity to break records for the Jets. He is the first player since George Sauer (1966-1968) to achieve three consecutive seasons with over 1,000 receiving yards.
He is also one of just five players in NFL history to reach over 1,000 receiving yards and 80 catches in each of his first three seasons. The others are Ja’Marr Chase, Justin Jefferson, Michael Thomas, and Odell Beckham Jr.
Wilson’s achievements are even more remarkable considering the Jets’ struggles with quarterback stability. Since he started in the league, he has caught passes from seven different quarterbacks: Rodgers (98), Zach Wilson (95), Joe Flacco (27), Mike White (22), Trevor Siemian (19), Tim Boyle (12), and Chris Streveler (three).
