NY Jets players aren't happy following yet another embarrassing loss, this time a 19-9 defeat at the hands of the Los Angeles Rams in Week 16. Star wide receiver Garrett Wilson has multiple reasons to be frustrated.
Not only did his team blow another fourth-quarter lead and score just nine points in a game where they didn't punt once, but Wilson was only targeted three times over the first 55 minutes of the afternoon.
Wilson's frustrations with the Jets over the last couple of years have been well documented at this point, and Sunday's loss only added to his growing discontent. His comments after the game fueled rumors that he could request a trade in the offseason.
A clearly frustrated Wilson was asked by reporters after the game why he wasn't involved in the offense until very late in the game. He had the following to say.
"I don't know, to be honest with you. I just gotta go out and put my best foot forward and hope that things fall my way. I'd like to be involved, love to make an impact on the game, but people see it differently. That's out of my control."Garrett Wilson
Garrett Wilson's comments spark increased NY Jets trade rumors
Multiple reports have suggested that Wilson, who is entering the fourth year of his rookie contract in 2025, will request a trade from the Jets in the coming months. The former Ohio State star has reportedly — publicly and privately — expressed his frustration with the Jets' consistent losing.
The Athletic's Zack Rosenblatt reported earlier this month that Wilson told Jets officials last season that if things didn't improve he wouldn't want to stick around long-term. That same report suggested the Jets were bracing for a trade request in the offseason.
ESPN's Rich Cimini reported last week that those close to Wilson also believe he will demand a trade after the season is over. It's not just smoke at this point — it's a full-blown firestorm.
Wilson became just the second player in Jets history, after George Sauer, to record 1,000 yards in three consecutive seasons when he reached that milestone on Sunday. The fact that he's done so over the first three years of his NFL career makes the feat even more impressive.
Wilson is a focal point of the Jets' offense and a cornerstone of the roster. He's the type of player — and person — organizations dream of building around. His frustrations cannot be taken lightly.
The Jets have Wilson under contract in 2025 and will likely exercise his fifth-year option for 2026. The team could also place the franchise tag on him after that. In short, they have options and don't have to honor any trade request.
But it's beginning to feel inevitable that Wilson will request a trade from the Jets — it’s just a question of when. Sunday's loss to the Rams certainly didn't help matters.