New York Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson is angling for a contract extension that will cement his status with Gang Green.
"You know, I'm hopeful I'm a Jet for life," Wilson said Wednesday. "And that we get this thing rolling and that all of our best days are ahead of us."
The comment is a turn from his frustration last season when it seemed the former first-round pick might attempt to finagle his way out of New York. New administration, new outlook for the star wideout.
"When the time does come and those conversations are being had," he said, "I'm going to try to do my part to make sure that it's undeniable."
The No. 10 overall pick in 2022, Wilson is under contract for the next two years after New York picked up his fifth-year option for 2026, worth roughly $16.8 million. An extension would likely at least double that figure annually. The question is whether Wilson will push to surpass Justin Jefferson ($35 million per year) and Ja'Marr Chase($40.25 million per) atop the WR market.
The highlight-reel receiver has generated 1,000-plus yards in each of his first three seasons in the NFL despite playing in less-than-ideal offensive situations. Imagine what he could do on a stable squad if the Jets ever figure out their quarterback situation. Justin Fields is the latest attempt to solve the QB riddle that has befuddled the organization.
New coach Aaron Glenn made it clear that the plan won't change from previous years regarding Wilson.
"Give him the ball as much as possible, that's it," Glenn said.
With questions in the wideout corps, Wilson is currently in line to see a huge target share. The question at this stage is whether he stacks stats with a new contract in hand or sides push a deal off for another year.
For his part, Wilson isn't ready to force the issue. He's reported for voluntary workouts along with the rest of the club when he could have skipped to get a new contract early.
"I want to be a part of something special," he said, via the Associated Press. "I don't think that a whole bunch of individuals makes something special. As a group aspect, this is a group thing and I wanted to get in and know my teammates. I want to get in to know my coaches, even. This is a new staff. Learn the material that they're putting out and not be the guy that's behind when this thing is mandatory (in minicamp in June), right?
"There's a way you go about business when you love what you do."
