Jets send powerful message with historic Garrett Wilson extension

The New York Jets just made their priorities crystal clear. The Jets have reportedly agreed to a historic four-year, $130 million contract extension, including $90 million guarantees, with star wide receiver Garrett Wilson.

In doing so, the Jets didn’t just reward one of their franchise cornerstones and one of the team's most respected leaders. They also sent a message. A message to their fans, to their locker room, and to the rest of the NFL. Wilson is the player the Jets intend to build around.

Few wide receivers in league history have produced as much, as early, under as difficult circumstances as Wilson. Despite catching passes from eight different quarterbacks in his first three seasons, he topped 1,000 yards every year, one of just five players in NFL history to do so.

Even in 2024, with Davante Adams eating into his targets and the Jets’ offense spiraling with Aaron Rodgers, Wilson still posted career highs in catches (101), yards (1,104), and touchdowns (7). Through dysfunction, he endured. Through instability, he delivered.

Wilson becomes the first former first-round pick in Jets history to receive a new deal after only three years in the NFL. Sauce Gardner should soon join him on that list.

Garrett Wilson has been through hell and back with this Jets team. Now, he's here to stay.

Garrett Wilson extension is a cultural statement by the Jets

Wilson found himself the subject of trade rumors over the last year or so. The former Ohio State star was reportedly frustrated with the Jets' continued dysfunction and seemingly had a falling out with now-former quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

It got to a point where reports were emerging that the Jets feared a trade request in the coming months. But the departure of Rodgers, combined with the additions of head coach Aaron Glenn and general manager Darren Mougey, seems to have salvaged the relationship.

Wilson has been reunited with his former college quarterback in Justin Fields, and the soon-to-be 25-year-old was reportedly the best player on the field in Jets spring practices.

Wilson’s extension is a message from the top down. It tells the locker room that if you handle your business the right way, on and off the field, the organization will recognize it. It shows that the Jets will reward their homegrown stars.

Wilson never complained publicly, even through the dysfunction. He kept showing up, kept competing, and kept producing. That helped earn him one of the richest contracts in NFL history for a wide receiver.

That matters for a team trying to change the culture in Florham Park. The Jets are turning the page from a chaotic chapter, and Wilson is the kind of player they want at the forefront of what comes next.

His extension shows that leadership and professionalism — and of course, All-Pro-level production — are valued within the organization. Players notice that. It sets a standard for what’s expected and what’s possible.

That, above all else, is what's most important here. The Jets are building something, and Garrett Wilson just became the blueprint.

More NY Jets news and analysis: