Garrett Wilson Secures Historic $130 Million Deal with the Jets as Franchise Banks on Star Receiver's Future

Garrett Wilson, the electrifying wide receiver for the New York Jets, has signed a groundbreaking four-year, $130 million contract extension, solidifying his place as one of the highest-paid receivers in NFL history. The deal, agreed upon on Monday, includes a staggering $90 million in guaranteed money, underscoring the Jets’ confidence in Wilson as a foundational piece for the team's long-term vision.

The contract is historic on several fronts. With an average annual value of $32.5 million, it ranks fifth among all wide receivers in the league, and marks the first time an NFL wideout has commanded more than $31 million per year after only three seasons. It also makes Wilson the first Jets first-round pick under the current financial system—adopted in 2011—to receive an extension in his first year of eligibility.

Drafted 10th overall in 2022, Wilson still had two years remaining on his rookie deal, including a fully guaranteed fifth-year option worth $16.8 million in 2026. With this extension, the Jets have now secured the 24-year-old receiver through the 2030 season.

Wilson's breakout performance last season, where he posted career highs in receptions (101), receiving yards (1,104), and touchdowns (seven), reaffirmed his elite status despite playing in a volatile offensive environment. His production is even more impressive considering he has caught passes from seven different quarterbacks in just three seasons, including Aaron Rodgers, Zach Wilson, Joe Flacco, Mike White, Trevor Siemian, Tim Boyle, and Chris Streveler.

Despite Wilson’s individual success, his visible frustration on the field and cryptic comments late last season sparked speculation that he might be seeking a trade. That narrative began to shift with the hiring of head coach Aaron Glenn, who made it clear that Wilson would be a central focus in the team’s offensive strategy moving forward.

Another major factor in Wilson’s renewed enthusiasm is his reunion with quarterback Justin Fields, his former teammate at Ohio State University. Following the release of Aaron Rodgers in March, Fields is set to take over under center, and both players have expressed excitement about rekindling their on-field chemistry.

The Jets’ current leadership, led by Glenn and general manager Darren Mougey, has emphasized a clear vision: retain elite homegrown talent and build a competitive roster for the future. This marks a shift from past regimes that often failed to lock in top-tier draft picks early in their careers. The team is also working to secure a long-term deal for cornerback Sauce Gardner, another standout from the 2022 draft class.

“I’m hopeful I’m a Jet for life and that we get this thing rolling and that all of our best days are ahead of us,” Wilson said in May, a sentiment that now feels closer to reality.

At just 24 years old, Wilson is already rewriting the franchise record books. He is the first Jets player since George Sauer (1966–1968) to post three consecutive 1,000-yard receiving seasons, and only the fifth player in NFL history to reach 1,000 receiving yards and 80 receptions in each of his first three years—joining Ja'Marr Chase, Justin Jefferson, Michael Thomas, and Odell Beckham Jr.

With the stability of a new quarterback, a coaching staff committed to his growth, and a historic contract in place, Garrett Wilson is poised to lead the Jets into a new era of competitiveness—and perhaps into long-awaited postseason relevance.