NY Jets would have no reason to honor a Garrett Wilson trade request

NY Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson isn't happy. Wilson has found himself as the subject of various trade rumors with multiple reports suggesting he might be on the verge of requesting a trade from the organization in the offseason.

The former Ohio State star has reportedly grown tired of the Jets' losing and dysfunction, and there seems to be a real possibility that he will ask to be moved to a different team in the coming months.

Wilson was asked about his long-term future when speaking to reporters on Thursday, and he stopped short of committing to the Jets. Instead, he told reporters that he "doesn't know" if he will be with the Jets long-term and that he isn't focused on the future right now.

Combine that with recent reports about Wilson's frustrations and possible desire for a trade and it's easy to see why many Jets fans are panicking. Wilson may very well request a trade, but the good news for Jets fans is that it remains highly unlikely that the team will actually move him.

The NY Jets should not trade Garrett Wilson

The 10th overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, Wilson has quickly established himself as one of the best young wide receivers in the NFL. He's just 67 yards away from becoming the first Jets player since George Sauer in 1968 to record 1,000 receiving yards in three consecutive seasons.

And he's done that in his first three seasons in the NFL.

Wilson currently ranks ninth in the NFL in receptions with 84, 13th in receiving yards with 933, and fourth in targets with 134. His frustrations have much more to do with his team's overall lack of success and cycle of malpractice than his own individual production.

Wilson is getting the ball and producing at a high rate. He still ranks in the top five in targets despite his team acquiring Davante Adams in a midseason trade. Wilson just wants to win football games.

Unfortunately, the Jets don't have an easy path to competing in 2025. Whether the team brings back Aaron Rodgers or opts for a different quarterback, the Jets will be fighting an uphill battle to contend for the Super Bowl next season.

But even if Wilson requests a trade, the Jets have no reason to honor it. The simplest reason is the Jets still have a few years of team control. Wilson is under contract in 2025 and will likely play on his fifth-year option in 2026 unless he's extended.

That's already two more years of affordable team control before the Jets could even consider placing the franchise tag on him as many as three times. In short, the Jets have all the leverage in this situation.

It seems highly unlikely that the next Jets regime will be eager to trade one of the team's most valuable and beloved young assets. Wilson is the type of player — and person — you build franchises around.

The Jets will prioritize keeping Wilson under contract no matter what it takes. If the two sides aren't ready to agree to an extension this offseason, those conversations can be pushed to the future. The Jets have time.

Of course, it's never an ideal situation for a homegrown star player to request a trade. It just isn't the death sentence many fans have made it out to be. Look at players like Budda Baker, Brandon Aiyuk, and Deebo Samuel for recent examples. Just because a player requests a trade doesn't mean they will be traded.

Garrett Wilson is frustrated, and that frustration could escalate to a trade request. However, the Jets will likely hold their ground unless they're overwhelmed by an exceptional offer. You can bet on that.

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