Earlier this month, the New York Jets announced their intention to move on from Aaron Rodgers this offseason. The news didn’t come as a major surprise, considering they just finished the 2024 season with a 5-12 record.
However, moving on from Rodgers may directly contribute to another Jets star’s long-term future with the team.
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New York Jets may have salvaged Garrett Wilson relationship thanks to Aaron Rodgers departure
One rumor that surfaced during the course of the New York Jets’ season was that Aaron Rodgers and his top receiver, Garrett Wilson, weren’t always on the best terms.
Wilson is set to enter the final year of his rookie contract, where he’ll have a $6.5 million cap hit in 2025. However, the Jets are expected to negotiate a long-term contract extension with the star receiver this offseason.
Recently, ESPN’s Jets insider Rich Cimini suggested that Rodgers’ departure will help the team hold onto Wilson via a long-term extension.
“Rodgers’ departure greatly increases the chances of Garrett Wilson’s return. There appeared to be tension in their relationship last season, starting with heated conversations on the field in training camp. It bubbled up late in the season, fueling speculation that Wilson might ask for a trade. It became obvious to some players last season that Rodgers was favoring Adams over Wilson in the passing game. In 11 games together, Adams was targeted 112 times (third-most in the NFL), Wilson 87. The disparity was even greater in the red zone — Adams 21, Wilson 11. Wilson, 24, coming off three straight 1,000-yard seasons, is the kind of player most teams would want to be a part of their foundation.”
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Of course, the Jets would prefer to hold onto Wilson, who’s just 24 years old, instead of a quarterback aging into his 40s. Yet, it seems that decision has already been made.
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