At least letting go of quarterback Aaron Rodgers should help the New York Jets keep wide receiver Garrett Wilson.
New York recently confirmed it’s moving on from the 41-year-old QB. In a piece published Sunday, ESPN’s Rich Cimini reported that increases the chances that Wilson stays with the Jets.
“There appeared to be tension in [Wilson’s and Rodgers’] relationship last season, starting with heated conversations on the field late in training camp,” wrote Cimini. “It bubbled up late in the season, fueling speculation that Wilson might ask for a trade.”
The rift could’ve also stemmed from Rodgers not treating Wilson like a No. 1 option in the passing game. It appeared Rodgers was favoring Jets WR Davante Adams, whom he played with for eight seasons with the Green Bay Packers.
In 11 games with New York, Adams — whom the Jets acquired in a trade with the Las Vegas Raiders in October 2024 — had 114 targets.
Wilson had 87 targets during this span. He still tied for seventh in the league in receptions (101 in 17 games) and ranked 14th in receiving yards (1,104).
Although Rodgers is a four-time MVP, cutting him could be the right choice for the Jets, especially if it helps them keep Wilson. In 17 regular-season starts last season, the 20-year veteran posted a 48 QBR, his fourth-lowest mark since ESPN started tracking the stat in 2006.
Replacing Rodgers could create a rocky transition for the Jets. QBs Tyrod Taylor, Adrian Martinez and Jordan Travis are on the roster, but none seem like the answer.
The Jets could sign a free-agent QB, perhaps Justin Fields of the Pittsburgh Steelers or Sam Darnold of the Minnesota Vikings. They could also draft one. Cimini recently suggested Ole Miss QB Jaxson Dart has piqued the team’s interest.
Regardless, Wilson should give the club some semblance of stability. In three seasons with New York, the 24-year-old has finished with 1,000 receiving yards or more each year.
