Garrett Wilson doesn't want to be traded – but he admitted he's sick of losing with Jets
Garrett Wilson Addresses Trade Rumors, Frustration and the Jets’ Losing Culture
The Indianapolis Colts entered the latest NFL trade deadline already declaring themselves sellers, and as the Nov. 10 deadline approached, speculation spread across the league about which struggling team might be next to move on from some of its most notable players.
The New York Jets, who shared the Colts’ 2-5 record, were among the franchises viewed as having intriguing veterans who could be available. Star receiver Garrett Wilson was one of the most talked-about names.
Wilson, the Jets’ No. 10 overall pick in the 2022 draft, has long been seen as a bright spot for a franchise dealing with what is widely considered the longest active playoff drought in professional sports. That drought now stands at 15 seasons.
During a media session ahead of the Jets’ Week 8 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders, Wilson was asked again about the trade rumors that had followed him into the offseason and continued to swirl before the deadline. He said he did not want to be traded, but he also acknowledged the frustration that has built during a difficult season.
“Yeah, I want to be here, man,” Wilson told reporters. “I want to win games and that’s the one thing we’ve been missing on here. I love it here. Do I love it more than I love winning? Nah, to be completely honest, but I’m hopeful.
“I’ve never been the best optimistic guy, but I’ve found a way and dug deep, and I’ve been optimistic for three, four, five years now. And that’s why these [losses] each weekend hurt a little more.”
Those comments came a week after Wilson appeared visibly frustrated on the sideline during the Jets’ 28-25 loss to the Miami Dolphins, who earned their first win of the season. Wilson had only three targets from quarterback Geno Smith and finished with two catches for 26 yards. The previous week, against the New England Patriots, he had four catches for 44 yards.
A year ago, Wilson signed a four-year, $130 million extension that was expected to keep him with the Jets through 2030, a contract that would have made him difficult to move. The Jets, though, have previously shown willingness to trade first-round talent. Last season, defensive tackle Quinnen Williams was sent to the Dallas Cowboys, while cornerback Sauce Gardner was dealt to the Colts after signing a four-year, $120 million extension.
For Wilson, the frustration is tied to the larger losing streak. Since joining the Jets, his team has gone 24-51, with a best single-season record of 7-10. Wilson said the losses and missed opportunities can compound quickly.
“I’d be lying if I said it's not,” Wilson said. “But at the end of the day it comes down to . winning and losing. Throughout my experience, when things go right, I tend to have a part in that. And when it doesn't, it seems avoidable.
“That's my main frustration that may show on the TV or something like that. But I don't want it to ever be misconstrued. This all comes from a place in my heart of wanting to win. I'm biased, but it also comes from experience where I played my part in that.”
As the trade deadline approached, the questions around Wilson remained. He wanted to stay, but he was clearly frustrated by the losing culture he had experienced since arriving in New York. The Jets had struggled to find consistency, and Wilson’s own frustration appeared to reflect a player who cares deeply about winning and is having trouble separating hope from disappointment.
For now, Wilson’s message was clear: he did not want to be traded, but he was tired of losing, and he was hopeful that things would turn around. The question was whether that hope would survive the final days of the NFL’s trade season.