Why Jets should give WR Garrett Wilson a contract extension soon

The New York Jets should give wide receiver Garrett Wilson an extension before the price potentially skyrockets.

On a Wednesday episode of the "Flight Plan" podcast, The Athletic's Zack Rosenblatt said Wilson "wants to re-up" with the team and is seeking an extension that would pay him around $30M per year. 

Wilson is entering the fourth year of his rookie contract in 2025, which includes a fifth-year option in 2026.

If the Jets signed Wilson to an extension worth $30M per year, his average salary would match that of Miami Dolphins WR Tyreek Hill and San Francisco 49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk. 

The Jets may consider that a slight overpay. Wilson has had 1,000 receiving yards or more in his first three seasons with New York, but the 24-year-old has yet to earn a first- or second-team All-Pro nod. 

Hill, meanwhile, has earned five first-team All-Pro nods in nine seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs and Miami Dolphins. Aiyuk was named second-team All-Pro in 2023. 

Still, the Jets shouldn't wait to extend Wilson. Bengals WR Ja'Marr Chase — who is set to play on the fifth-year option in 2025 — could receive a massive extension. Fox Sports' Jordan Schultz recently reported, "Chase could command at least $40M per season." 

Assuming the Bengals sign Chase before the Jets extend Wilson, that would likely reset the market.

Over the Cap estimates the Jets have $23.85M in cap room, but they can create more if they release wideout Davante Adams. Cutting Adams with a post-June 1 designation would yield $36.16M in cap savings, which could be enough for an extension for Wilson.

The Jets better do that quickly after the start of the new league year on March 12. The longer they wait to extend Wilson, the more expensive it may become.