Should Jets fans be worried about Garrett Wilson not being named captain?

The New York Jets named their six captains for the 2026 season on Thursday, and some of the names were absolutely to be expected. Others, not so much.

Veterans Demario Davis, Minkah Fitzpatrick, and Harrison Phillips were all pretty much guaranteed to don the "C" on their chests this season. They're the elder statesmen of the Jets' defense and are being treated as such.

On offense, quarterback Geno Smith was another shoo-in for captaincy. As the starting quarterback, you're practically guaranteed to don the honor, and Smith has obviously been a pillar of stability for New York's offense throughout the summer. The real shockers were guard Joe Tippmann and wide receiver Isaiah Williams, who are captains for the offense and special teams, respectively.

It should be noted that none of the Jets' 2025 captains retained their titles. Justin Fields, Alijah Vera-Tucker, and Quinnen Williams are obviously on different teams, but Jamien Sherwood, Marcelino McCrary-Ball, and Garrett Wilson have all been supplanted.

Wilson has to be the most shocking one, considering how important he is to the team and the Jets' offense. Is there something here for Jets fans to be worried about?

Garrett Wilson is a leader for the New York Jets whether he's a captain or not

Whether he's donning the "C" on his chest or not, Wilson is a leader for this Jets team. Just because his teammates didn't vote him as a captain doesn't change that fact. From early on in training camp, Wilson has established himself as one of the more respected veterans on this roster.

"Just getting older and having a better idea of what needs to be said. I'm never going to be that vocal guy to the extent of, I don't know, some might like to see it." Wilson told reporters in early August. "But when I do think there's something that needs to be said, I feel fully comfortable saying that. And hopefully my teammates respect what I do enough and how I respond to it."

If there's anybody on the Jets who has earned the right to be a vocal leader because of his play in New York, it's Wilson. The former first-round draft pick is easily their most talented offensive player.

Injuries robbed us of another likely 1,000-yard season in 2025, but prior to that, Wilson never failed to produce, no matter what his quarterback situation was. Despite working with less-than-ideal supporting casts to start his career, the Ohio State product has recorded 315 receptions, 3,644 receiving yards, and 18 touchdowns in 58 career games.

Regardless of a cloth patch on his jersey, there aren't many other players on the Jets offense that the team should be listening to, and fans shouldn't be worried about Wilson's lack of captaincy.

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