In his first two seasons in the NFL, Jets receiver Garrett Wilson played with seven different quarterbacks and two offensive coordinators.
Despite that, Wilson has continued to rack up excellent numbers. But the 2022 Offensive Rookie of the Year says he didn’t meet his expectations individually or team-wise in 2023.
“I hear I had a good year,” Wilson said. “It is the worst year of my life. That’s the reality of it.”
Wilson finished this season with 95 catches for 1,042 yards and three touchdowns. This was after he registered 83 receptions for 1,103 yards and four touchdowns in 2022.
Wilson is the first Jets wideout to record back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons since Keyshawn Johnson in 1998-99. But this year took a noticeable toll on him physically and mentally.
The Jets finished 7-10 for the second consecutive year, and many feel Wilson’s prime seasons are being wasted on an offense that finished 31st in yards per game (268.6) and 29th in points per game (15.8) in 2023. This comes after a season in which the Jets were 25th in yards (318.2) and 29th in points per game (17.4)
Throughout the season, Wilson expressed his frustrations on the sidelines during games. However, Jets coaches have quickly pointed out that Wilson is passionate because he wants to win.
“There’s always a sense of urgency,” Jets general manager Joe Douglas said about improving the team. “There’s a sense of urgency to win. Not just fix problems, but win.
“I haven’t heard or read what Garrett said, but I had a really good conversation with Garrett. Look, I mean, we are all frustrated. No one is happy about the way the last two years have finished. We all know we need to win and do a better job.
“When I hear things like that, it makes me say, ‘I gotta do more to help this offense.’ I need to do more.”
A lot of the offensive woes had to do with Aaron Rodgers being out basically the entire season after the four-time MVP tore his Achilles four plays into the opener against the Bills on Sept. 11. Zach Wilson replaced Rodgers at quarterback for 12 games until he was benched, and then later suffered a concussion in Week 15 against the Dolphins that ended his season. Trevor Siemian started the final three games.
It also doesn’t help that receiver Allen Lazard, who was supposed to help take pressure off Garrett Wilson, was nonexistent after signing a four-year, $44 million contract last offseason. In 14 games, Lazard finished with 23 catches for 311 yards and a touchdown.
Lazard was also a healthy scratch for two games, including Sunday’s season finale. The Jets could look to add another weapon via trade or the draft.
Sources say the Jets tried to acquire receiver Davante Adams at the trade deadline but the Raiders rejected the offer. The Jets could attempt again to trade for the six-time Pro Bowler or try to sign Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans or Bengals wideout Tee Higgins, who will both be free agents.
Several talented receivers are expected to declare for the 2024 NFL Draft. Gang Green will select 10th, which could put them in range for LSU’s Malik Nabers, Washington’s Rome Odunze or Florida State’s Keon Coleman.
“If someone wants to come help our team, we welcome everyone,” Wilson said. “As far as the receiver room, we got some great young guys. We got some vets as well. Another infusion of someone that brought a different thing to the table to give the defense something to worry about would be beneficial to everyone, [and] to me as well.
“It is something that I’m excited to see. If that’s what it calls upon this offseason, and to do my part, I will definitely hold up my end for sure.
“You don’t want to feel like this again,” Wilson said. “You don’t want to be here in this position again. You gotta be a little better in every category.”
