New York Jets Wide Receiver Reflects on Frustrating 2023 Season and Looks Ahead to Bright Future

The star wide receiver took some time to “get my legs back and get my head together,” after a frustrating 2023

FLORHAM PARK — By the end of last season, the wide receiver of the New York Jets, Garrett Wilsonwas the embodiment of a certain business motto: he needed to get away.

Frustrated by another losing season and openly critical of the offense — and, by extension, the offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett–, Wilson He described it as “the worst year of my life“. So he left the area New York and, among other things, he visited Italy and Arizona, where he spent some time meditating in the desert. He described it as a great way to unplug.

“I was Zen, man. I was relaxed,” he shared after a recent practice. “I had to get my legs back and fix my head.”

Inconsistency at quarterback and losses have frustrated Garrett Wilson in New York. AP Photo/Seth Wenig

Everything seems settled as Wilson prepares for his third season, something that could have a huge impact on how the rest of his career plays out.

Wilsonfirst player of the Jets from Keyshawn Johnson (1998-1999) to record consecutive seasons of at least 1,000 receiving yards, has proven himself as a primary wide receiver. Now, the challenge is to raise that one or two levels, demonstrate that you can be considered among the elite of the NFL. With the wide receiver market exploding recently, he could be on the verge of a massive payday.

“He has all the makings of a star wide receiver,” the quarterback noted. Aaron Rodgers. “We feel like if we can both stay healthy, then we can accomplish a lot of things this year. But, it’s going to be important for us to communicate.”

Rodgers y Wilson They spent their first offseason together building chemistry before quarterback He was sidelined by a torn left Achilles tendon last September, on the fourth play of the season. So he began a quarterback carousel, the story of Wilson’s young career.

In two campaigns, Wilson He has caught passes from six different quarterbacks, none of them with a last name. Rodgers. The list consists of Zach Wilson (95 receptions), Joe Flacco (27), Mike White (22), Trevor Siemian (19), Tim Boyle (12) y Chris Streveler (3). Except a Rodgersno one else is in the club.

Wilson He stands alone among his peers in this regard: Of the 18 wide receivers with a minimum of 1,000 receiving yards in each of the previous two seasons, he is the only one to have at least one catch from six different quarterbacks. Davante Adams, Brandon Aiyuk y Amari Cooper They had five quarterbacks each. On the other hand, Stefon Diggs He enjoyed the best of consistency, just a quarterback. Wilson crave that.

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“If we can find a way to stay upright out there and keep Aaron standing up, I’m excited about it and everything that comes with it,” he revealed Wilsonwho is his third position coach and second offensive coordinator.

Quarterback instability is something out of your controlbut it remains a source of frustration. The same goes for the losses; a 14-20 record. This is a new experience for Wilson. In three seasons for Ohio State, went 31-4. When asked about his goals for 2024, noted the team’s success.

“Win games and win in the playoffs,” he said. Wilson. “I’m confident we’ll do that. … We’re going to score points, and I’ll have to look at it. We all will, I’m excited.”

Wilson He was frustrated at times last season, sometimes allowing it to slip away to be consumed by the public. He sparked speculation about whether he wanted to stay long-term, should difficulties continue.

Also, there is the factor Rodgers. What happens if the 40-year-old quarterback retires the following year, or the year after that? The Jets they selected Jordan Travis in the fifth round, but it is too premature to name him the successor. A question mark at the quarterback position is a feared proposition for any wide receiver.

When asked late last season about his long-term future, Wilson said to ESPN, “I don’t know what the future holds. I know I’m here for four or five years,” the length of his contract. He has two seasons remaining on his rookie pact, plus an option for a fifth year. He will be eligible for a new contract after next season, when things could get interesting.

Since the end of last season, eight wide receivers have signed new contracts averaging at least $23 million per season, led by the $35 million average annual salary he agreed to. Justin Jefferson in its extension with the Minnesota VikingsThree of those eight got new deals after their third season: Jaylen Waddle (28.3 million dollars annually), DeVonta Smith (25 million dollars annually) and Nico Collins (24.3 million dollars annually).

Los Jets have never extended a former first-round pick past three years — the defensive tackle from Pro Bowl, Quinn Williamshad to wait four– which heralds a potential problem for the next offseason if Wilson insist on the topic. And, he might not be the only one looking for a new contract.

The corner Sauce Gardner and the defensive end Jermaine Johnson They will be eligible for new agreements, too. As Wilsonwere selected in the first round of 2022. The runner Breece Hallselected in the second round in 2022, will also be eligible.

Wilson He is motivated and focused. Would love to do like Mike Evans and put together 10 consecutive seasons of at least 1,000 yards, establishing himself as a model of consistency.

“It’s what was announced,” said the receivers coach. Shawn Jefferson. “This guy can be exactly or whatever he wants to be. You talk about ‘it’. He owns ‘it’.”

2024-06-25 22:53:54
#Garrett #Wilson #worst #year #life

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