Garrett Wilson just proved the Jets were right to ditch Aaron Rodgers

The New York Jets made NFL headlines on Monday, signing wide receiver Garrett Wilson to a four-year, $130 million contract extension in a deal that includes $90 million in guarantees.

The deal will keep Wilson under team control through 2030 and ranks among the largest ever for an NFL wide receiver. In doing so, the Jets made it clear that they see Wilson as a franchise cornerstone to build around moving forward.

But this outcome wasn’t always guaranteed. Just 6-7 months ago, there was growing concern inside the building about where things stood with Wilson.

He had grown frustrated with the state of the offense, the team’s overall dysfunction, and his dynamic with Aaron Rodgers. Trade rumors followed. Some in the organization feared it could eventually become a real problem.

Instead, the situation was repaired. A new regime took over in Florham Park, Rodgers was released, and Wilson quickly bought in to the Aaron Glenn era. Now, with a new contract in hand, he’s locked in long-term, and the Jets’ decision to move on from Rodgers looks even more justified.

Garrett Wilson extension proves Jets were right to cut Aaron Rodgers

Wilson has been everything the Jets hoped he would be and more since entering the league in 2022. He’s one of only five players in NFL history to record 1,000 or more receiving yards and at least 80 receptions in each of his first three seasons.

The others on that list are Ja’Marr Chase, Justin Jefferson, Odell Beckham Jr., and Michael Thomas. That’s the level of consistency Wilson has brought to the table, despite the abysmal circumstances around him.

Wilson has caught passes from eight different quarterbacks in three years. The list includes Tim Boyle, Trevor Siemian, and Chris Streveler, not to mention the likes of Mike White and Zach Wilson.

He’s never had any semblance of stability at the position, yet he’s remained uber-productive. Last season, even with Davante Adams cutting into his target share, Wilson posted career highs with 101 catches, 1,104 yards, and seven touchdowns.

His relationship with Aaron Rodgers had become an issue, however. Wilson's role diminished after the Jets traded for Adams, as Rodgers leaned heavily on his longtime teammate. That, combined with the team’s overall dysfunction, created tension behind the scenes.

ESPN’s Rich Cimini reported months ago that many within the organization believed Wilson might request a trade if Rodgers stayed on the roster. His frustration was real. The Jets knew it, and they understood something had to give.

They chose Wilson, ultimately deciding to move on from Rodgers for a variety of reasons. Wilson turns just 25 years old this month and has already established himself as one of the NFL's best wide receivers.

The Jets couldn’t afford to lose him. Mougey and the new front office knew that, and they made it a priority to repair the relationship and show Wilson he was part of the plan.

Pairing him with Justin Fields, his former college quarterback, likely helped. Reports out of spring practices suggested the two picked up where they left off at Ohio State. Fields gets the first opportunity to lead this version of the Jets, and Wilson is the clear No. 1 target.

If Fields doesn't work out, the team will find someone else. But they’ve locked in the player they want to build around, and that clarity is something the previous regime lacked.

The Jets could have gone all-in for one last shot with Rodgers in 2025. Instead, they hit reset and bet on their future. Signing Garrett Wilson to a long-term deal confirms that it was the right call.

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