Jets insider names 4 veteran wide receivers as potential trade targets

The New York Jets need wide receivers. Garrett Wilson and Adonai Mitchell aren't going to be enough to cut it in 2026, especially with the lack of depth behind them. New York has yet to make a move at the position this offseason, and watched John Metchie leave for the Carolina Panthers.

There are still several viable veteran options available on the open market, such as Jauan Jennings and Deebo Samuel, but general manager Darren Mougey has developed quite a reputation as a savvy trader.

Sure, the Jets can still make a depth addition in free agency, but if New York ends up making a big splash to land a starter, it will probably be via trade.

ESPN's Rich Cimini named four veterans to keep an eye on as the offseason progresses, as players the Jets could target on the trade market.

Veteran wide receivers the Jets may be keeping their eye on

Cimini pointed to Brian Thomas Jr., Rashod Bateman, Quentin Johnston, and Dontayvion Wicks as names that have been "mentioned as trade possibilities."

Thomas Jr. would easily be the most exciting of the bunch. The Jacksonville Jaguars' 2024 first-round pick was a Pro Bowler in his rookie season, hauling in 87 catches for 1,282 yards and 10 touchdowns. But for whatever reason, Thomas Jr. was unable to connect with new head coach Liam Coen this past year, and he saw his production dip.

As the 2025 season progressed, the former LSU standout started losing targets to midseason trade acquisition Jakobi Meyers. If the Jets could figure out a way to flip one of their Day 2 picks for his services, it may be the exact addition they're looking for in their pass-catching room.

Bateman is another former first-round pick, going 27th overall to the Baltimore Ravens in 2021. Despite his draft slot, the Minnesota product has only eclipsed 600 yards receiving in his career once, and isn't the most reliable wideout.

Baltimore has him signed to a three-year, $36 million contract, and could be looking to get out from under his deal. Would they flip him to the Jets for cheap? He certainly wouldn't cost as much as Thomas Jr., but New York would be taking a bigger gamble on his spotty production.

Johnston, the 21st overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, could be another target for the Jets. Despite being a highly touted prospect coming out of TCU, he has struggled with his hands throughout his short NFL career. He's gotten better under Jim Harbaugh the last two seasons, hauling in eight touchdowns in both 2024 and 2025, but he still leaves a little more to be desired.

The Los Angeles Chargers aren't strapped for cash or anything, but he's due $4.5 million this season, and if the Chargers pick up his fifth-year option, they'll owe him $16.5 million in 2027. Johnston likely wouldn't cost as much as Thomas Jr., but more than Bateman on the trade market.

Finally, likely the cheapest option of the bunch would be the Green Bay Packers wide receiver, Wicks. The former fifth-round draft pick is entering the final year of his rookie contract, and the Packers may look to get value on the former Virginia star.

Over his three years in the NFL, Wicks has hauled in 108 receptions, 1,328 yards, and 11 touchdowns, appearing in 46 games. He's not an instant starter, but likely could be had for a potential Day 3 pick.

The Jets could land one of these players on the trade market, and it still wouldn't make the wide receiver room complete for Week 1 of the 2026 season. New York needs to sign a veteran, trade for a competent starter, and select one in the upcoming draft if they want to ensure Geno Smith has the right tools to work with heading into next season.

Only then will fans feel confident in the Jets' pass-catching corps.