Former Ohio State star wide receiver Garrett Wilson has quickly emerged as one of the NFL’s most dynamic young playmakers, and with the 2025 season on the horizon, speculation is heating up about a potentially massive contract extension that could make him one of the highest-paid receivers in league history.
Wilson, who was selected 10th overall by the New York Jets in the 2022 NFL Draft, has lived up to and even exceeded the expectations that followed him from Columbus to the pros. After winning the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award in 2022 despite playing in a struggling offense, Wilson has continued to impress with his route-running, athleticism, and poise under pressure. With the Jets finally fielding a healthy Aaron Rodgers in 2025 and building an offense designed to compete deep into the playoffs, all signs point to Wilson becoming the focal point of the team’s aerial attack — and his value has never been higher.
In his first three seasons, Wilson has racked up over 3,300 receiving yards and 18 touchdowns, proving he can produce at a high level regardless of instability at quarterback. The Jets cycled through multiple starting quarterbacks during his rookie and sophomore seasons, including Zach Wilson, Mike White, and Joe Flacco. Through it all, Garrett Wilson remained the one constant, consistently creating separation and hauling in clutch receptions. League executives and analysts have praised his ability to thrive in chaos, comparing his impact and upside to some of the elite receivers in today’s game such as Ja’Marr Chase, Justin Jefferson, and CeeDee Lamb.
As Wilson enters the final year of his rookie deal, attention now turns to his future. By all indications, the Jets are preparing to reward their star receiver with a long-term extension, and the numbers being floated are eye-popping. According to sources close to the negotiations, Wilson could command an extension in the range of \$28 to \$32 million annually — which would place him alongside or even above players like Jefferson and Tyreek Hill. Given the league-wide inflation at premium positions and the growing emphasis on explosive offensive weapons, it’s not hard to see why.
Wilson’s camp is reportedly aware of his market value and is prepared to make the case that he deserves to reset the wide receiver market. He’s only 24 years old and is already a proven No. 1 target on a contending team. His stats, when adjusted for quarterback play, reveal a player who could be even more dominant in a stable offensive environment. With Rodgers expected to be fully healthy and motivated for a deep playoff run in what could be one of his final seasons, the Jets believe that locking up Wilson now will not only secure their present but also protect their future.
NFL insiders believe the Jets could offer Wilson a five-year extension worth upwards of \$160 million, including \$100 million in guarantees. Such a contract would represent a major investment in a player whose ceiling continues to rise. For the Jets, it would also serve as a signal to Rodgers and the rest of the league that they are serious about winning now. Wilson, for his part, has said all the right things publicly, expressing a desire to remain in New York long-term and play with Rodgers for as long as possible. “We’ve got something special here,” Wilson said during offseason workouts. “I want to be part of building something that lasts. I love this city, I love this locker room, and I believe we’re just getting started.”
Those comments have been well-received by Jets management and fans alike. Wilson’s popularity in New York is sky-high. He’s become a fan favorite not just for his production on the field, but also for his leadership, humility, and work ethic. Teammates rave about his commitment in the film room and the weight room, and coaches credit him for setting the tone during practice. As the Jets continue to evolve under head coach Robert Saleh and general manager Joe Douglas, Wilson has been embraced as one of the franchise’s foundational players — a young star who can grow into a future captain and face of the team.
The potential deal also represents a key moment for the broader receiver market. With other top talents like Ja’Marr Chase and CeeDee Lamb also due for extensions, Wilson’s contract could help shape the landscape for elite pass catchers for years to come. Agents and front offices across the league are closely watching to see if Wilson becomes the first of this new generation of receivers to crack the \$30 million per year mark. Should he do so, it would likely accelerate negotiations for others and possibly redefine how teams allocate salary cap resources toward their skill players.
Of course, there’s always a risk in handing out record-breaking deals. Injuries, regression, and team dynamics can all influence how a contract plays out. But in Wilson’s case, the Jets appear confident that he’s worth the gamble. His durability, consistency, and ability to perform in high-leverage situations give them a rare sense of security. Moreover, with the salary cap expected to rise significantly over the next few years due to booming media rights deals and global expansion efforts, locking in a top-tier receiver now could actually be viewed as a value play down the road.
Beyond the numbers and projections, there’s something more intangible that makes Wilson a worthy candidate for such a deal — his drive. Those who have followed his career since his days at Ohio State know that Wilson is not just physically gifted but mentally wired for greatness. During his time with the Buckeyes, Wilson built a reputation as one of the most polished and explosive wideouts in college football. His chemistry with fellow stars like Chris Olave and Jaxon Smith-Njigba helped elevate Ohio State’s offense into one of the most feared units in the nation. But even then, Wilson stood out for his ability to make the difficult look effortless. Whether it was a sideline toe-tap or a contested jump ball in the red zone, he made plays that left coaches and fans shaking their heads in disbelief.
That same flair has carried over to the NFL, where Wilson continues to wow audiences with his acrobatics and feel for the game. He’s often described as a “quarterback’s best friend” — a receiver who can bail out a bad throw, find soft spots in zone coverage, and win against press man with equal efficiency. With Rodgers under center, Wilson now has a Hall of Fame quarterback who can truly unlock all facets of his game. And with that opportunity comes the chance to further elevate his stock — both on the field and at the negotiating table.
If and when a new deal is signed, it would represent not just a reward for past accomplishments, but a vote of confidence in the future. The Jets, a franchise that has struggled for decades to develop and retain offensive stars, finally have a homegrown talent who could redefine their identity. In many ways, Wilson embodies the new era of Jets football — explosive, confident, and built for the spotlight.
The pressure of New York is unlike any other, but Wilson has embraced it. He’s shown maturity beyond his years, staying grounded while continuing to improve. His offseason workouts often include sessions with elite trainers and specialists, and he’s been known to bring teammates along for extra drills and film study. That attention to detail and commitment to excellence make him more than just a highlight-reel receiver — they make him a professional in every sense of the word.
As contract talks unfold in the coming months, both sides appear to be motivated to get a deal done. The Jets want to build around a young nucleus, and Wilson wants to be the cornerstone of a winning culture. With Rodgers nearing the end of his career and a window of contention wide open, the time is now. All signs suggest that Garrett Wilson is next in line for a historic payday — and few would argue that he hasn’t earned it.
From Columbus to the Big Apple, Wilson’s journey has been one of constant evolution and rising expectations. And yet, he continues to meet every challenge with the same combination of flair and focus. For the Jets and their fans, that blend is worth investing in. If Wilson becomes one of the NFL’s highest-paid receivers, it will be more than just a headline — it will be a turning point for a franchise, a statement of belief, and a well-deserved reward for one of the game’s brightest young stars.
