Garrett Wilson has been one of the few bright spots for the New York Jets since he got drafted in 2022. The former Buckeye has achieved three seasons of 1,000 receiving yards in his four years in the league. While Wilson has performed as a true number one receiver, he has been on the outside looking in on the upper echelon of wideouts in the league.
Quarterback play in New York has been lamentable during Wilson’s career. Nevertheless, he has been able to perform regardless of the quality of passers he’s gotten. So the question isn’t will Garrett Wilson be great, but rather could Wilson be even greater?
Wilson was the leading wide receiver for the Jets last season despite only playing eight games. The Jets will likely be addressing the wide receiver position in the 2026 Draft. This new rookie will likely factor into the Jets’ decision either to continue to use Wilson outside or to move him into the slot.
With a receiver as skilled and versatile as Wilson, the Jets need to figure out how to use him to maximize his talent.
The Slot
Wilson is a matchup nightmare on the inside. His ability to make people miss after catching the ball is vital to a Jets team that needs elite playmaking in the open field.
If the Jets move him to the slot, they could follow the blueprint the Lions laid out with Amon-Ra St. Brown. St. Brown spent over half of his snaps in the slot last year for the Detroit Lions. From that position, he accumulated 117 receptions and 1,401 yards. Though the Lions had a more well-rounded offensive attack, Wilson could still mirror that level of productivity.
Wilson played 30.2% of snaps in the slot in 2024 – his best season statistically. He saw a further percentage increase last year, but his injuries prevented him from translating the reps into production. Upping those numbers once again could add to the number of times a game the Jets could get an open look for the 25-year-old.
Wilson has a similar build to St. Brown. This would allow him to physically match up with safeties, as he could avoid top corners and safety help on the outside. Simply put, a move to the slot could open a new dimension to his game.
The Outside Argument
Wilson has been solid on the outside. In his 2024 season, he spent the most time in his career playing out wide. His 101 receptions and 1104 yards show that he does admirable work when up against a corner.
Putting Wilson in the slot may take away from his best skills, as he is elite when it comes to contested catches. His ability to win one-on-one matchups is nullified on the inside. The possible move to a more permanent outside position could be likened to Jaxon Smith-Njigba‘s transformation this past year.
Smith-Njigba only played 15.6% of snaps on the outside in 2024. This past year, that number jumped up to about 75%. While 2024 was not a bad season for Smith-Njigba, 2025 was generational.
Wilson may benefit from a more structured role in the offense. Getting a high target rate on the outside would help open other weapons in the passing game as well. Drafting a player like Makai Lemon would allow Wilson to cement himself on the outside. With another player for the defense to worry about, Wilson could have a career season in 2026.
The Draft Determines
Only time will tell what the Jets decide to do at the receiver position. If they go with Lemon or KC Concepcion, Wilson will probably remain on the outside. However, if they take someone like Jordyn Tyson or Denzel Boston, Wilson may see more slot reps.
Regardless of who the Jets take, Wilson is poised for a big year. Though he’s struggled in recent years, Geno Smith is a capable quarterback who can get his receivers the ball. Additionally, with any other weapon, Wilson will have some of the burden removed. So, no matter what the Jets do, keep an eye out for Garrett Wilson. This could finally be the year he puts himself in the top tier of receivers.
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