Garrett Wilson trade request less likely after NY Jets’ Aaron Rodgers decision

Aaron Rodgers will not be the NY Jets' quarterback in 2025. Multiple reports confirmed on Sunday that the Jets plan to part ways with the veteran QB this offseason in pursuit of other options at the position.

The decision has been a contentious one, receiving significant backlash from a portion of the fanbase who believe the Jets could still compete with Rodgers as their starting quarterback in 2025. Multiple Jets players seem to feel the same way.

Pro Bowl defensive tackle Quinnen Williams posted a series of tweets bashing the Jets for their Rodgers decision on Sunday before deleting his X (formerly Twitter) account. It's safe to say a few others in the locker room might share a similar sentiment.

But there's also the other side of the coin. Many believe the Jets made the right decision parting ways with Rodgers given his advancing age, health concerns, and tricky financial situation. One individual who probably agrees is Garrett Wilson.

How the Aaron Rodgers decision affects Garrett Wilson's NY Jets future

Wilson's frustrations with the Jets organization have been well-documented, leading many to believe the star wide receiver could request a trade this offseason. Both league insiders and those within the Jets organization see a real possibility of Wilson asking out in the coming weeks or months.

Part of Wilson's frustrations stem from his issues with the Jets' lack of progress during his three years in the NFL. Wilson wants to win football games, and the Jets haven't done much winning since he was drafted in 2022.

But his issues extend beyond the Jets' losing. Wilson's relationship with Rodgers was reportedly not on great terms by the end of the 2024 season, with the former Ohio State star feeling frustrated with his role in the offense following the Davante Adams trade.

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported late in December that "those who know [Wilson] well believe he's been frustrated at the lack of looks from Rodgers while wondering what else he can do to fix the relationship."

Rapoport went on to state that Wilson could request a trade in the offseason if Rodgers returned as the team's starting quarterback. ESPN's Rich Cimini later confirmed that report, insisting that few would be surprised if Wilson requested a trade.

With Rodgers out of the picture, however, it's possible Wilson reconsiders his stance. The 24-year-old is fresh off his third consecutive 1,000-yard season to begin his NFL career and will be extension-eligible in the offseason.

The Jets have no immediate incentive to grant Wilson a trade, as they hold team control through at least the 2026 season if they exercise his fifth-year option. Beyond that, they could also consider using the franchise tag in 2027.

Of course, the Jets would rather avoid a high-profile trade request from their star wide receiver, especially with a new regime coming to town. The hope is that moving on from Rodgers — and by proxy Adams — is enough to keep Wilson satisfied with the direction of the organization.

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