The quarterback for the 2025 New York Jets will not be Aaron Rodgers. And who the new quarterback will be throwing his passes to may be in question, as well.
Several players have already voiced their displeasure over the news that Rodgers will not be returning, but one player in particular might be happy about the recent report of Rodgers’ impending departure: Garrett Wilson.
After three seasons with sub-average quarterback play from the likes of Zach Wilson, Joe Flacco, Tim Boyle, Trevor Siemian, Mike White, and yes, even Aaron Rodgers, there have been whispers of Wilson demanding a trade that would take him out of New York. While I can’t say I blame him for possibly wanting out, it’s time for him to clear the air.
Make no mistake, Wilson is one of the league’s premier receiving talents, but terrible quarterback play, poor coaching, and heart-breaking defeats have left the wide receiver longing for greener pastures. Wilson, a former first-round pick, just watched three of his former teammates (Mekhi Becton, Branden Mann and Bryce Huff) win a Super Bowl right down the road in Philadelphia.
There were numerous reports of a growing strife between Wilson and Rodgers, especially after Rodgers seemingly pressured Woody Johnson into trading for Davante Adams and making Wilson the de facto No. 2 receiver on the team. Towards the end of the season, there was even a report that Wilson would demand a trade if Rodgers was the Jets quarterback going forward.
Wilson never explicitly said that it was him or Rodgers for the Jets in 2025 to anyone in the media, but if he did make that known in the building, then the Jets made the easy and correct choice in choosing Wilson over Rodgers. That being said, it’s time for Wilson to fulfill his end of that reported bargain.
It’s time for Wilson to put all the festering rumors to bed. The whispers around the locker room breed mistrust and uncertainty. If Wilson wanted Rodgers gone, and now he is headed out the door, Wilson needs to release a statement stating his intentions to stay with the Jets. If the problem for Wilson runs deeper than quarterback play and he believes that the relationship is beyond repair, than he needs to publicly demand a trade.
For the record, even if he did demand a trade, the Jets have the ability to control Wilson’s future for the next two seasons even before we bring up the franchise tag. I would not let him out of the building without doing everything in my power to keep him.
For the Jets, new general manager Darren Mougey should have already called Wilson and his reps and let it be known that he is their number one priority. This is the first offseason where the Jets are allowed to sign Wilson to a contract extension, and they should make it known that is their intention. And in return, he should let them know where he officially stands.
