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Source: ESPN
Summary
Garrett Wilson, New York Jets wide receiver, called making the playoffs “very realistic” for the 2026 season, according to ESPN. The Jets have not made the playoffs since 2010 and have not had a winning season since 2015. The team made multiple personnel changes, including hiring new coordinators Frank Reich and Brian Duker. The Jets acquired Geno Smith, signed several free agents, and made high draft picks. Wilson, who missed most of the 2025 season due to injury, said the team has a “hell of a group” and “as good an opportunity as anybody in the league.”
Our Reading
This one felt recognizable early.
Wilson says the Jets should make the playoffs. They haven’t in 16 years. They lost 14 games last season. They still have a new coach, new coordinators, new players. Wilson’s been here before. He’s been hurt before. He still says it’s doable. The Jets have a new QB, a new defense, a new plan. They’re talking about the playoffs again. The same way they did last year. The same way they did the year before. The same way they always do.
Wilson’s contract is worth $130 million. He’s only played three full seasons. He’s still young. Still hungry. Still says it’s time. The Jets still have the same problems. The same roster. The same questions. The same hope. The same excuses.
The Jets are going to start the season against the Titans. Their old coach is now their opponent. The same way it always goes. The same way it always has. The same way it always will.
The Jets are going to win some games. They always do. They’re going to lose some games. They always do. They’re going to talk about the playoffs. They always do. And when they don’t make it, they’ll say it wasn’t their time. Again.
Author: Evan Null
Garrett Wilson’s Playoff Statement
Garrett Wilson, the New York Jets’ star wide receiver, has set the bar high for the 2026 season, calling the playoffs “very realistic.” His comments came after the Jets’ 3-14 record in the 2025 season, which marked another year of disappointment for a franchise that hasn’t made the playoffs since 2010. Wilson, who was selected with the 10th overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, has been a key part of the team’s recent efforts, despite missing most of the 2025 season due to a knee injury.
Jets’ Roster Overhaul
The Jets made several high-profile moves to rebuild the roster, including acquiring veteran quarterback Geno Smith from the Las Vegas Raiders and selecting tight end Kenyon Sadiq with the 16th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. They also traded up to take wide receiver Omar Cooper with the 30th pick. Defensively, the team added safety Minkah Fitzpatrick and signed several free agents, including linebacker Demario Davis, who had previously played for the Jets.
New Leadership and Coaching Changes
The Jets have undergone significant coaching changes, with head coach Aaron Glenn parting ways with offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand and defensive coordinator Steve Wilks. In their place, the team hired Frank Reich as the new offensive coordinator and Brian Duker as the new defensive coordinator. Duker, who previously worked under Glenn in Detroit, brings experience to the new defensive scheme.
Wilson’s Injury and Performance
Wilson, who signed a four-year, $130 million extension in July 2025, was limited to just seven games in the 2025 season due to a knee injury. In those games, he recorded 36 receptions for 395 yards and four touchdowns. Over his first three seasons (2022-2024), Wilson averaged 93.0 receptions, 1,083.0 receiving yards, and 4.7 touchdowns per year, never missing a game.
Season Opener and New Challenges
The Jets will open the 2026 regular season against the Tennessee Titans, a matchup that carries extra significance. Titans head coach Robert Saleh was previously the Jets’ head coach from 2021 to 2024. The game will be a test for the Jets as they look to prove that their roster overhaul and new coaching staff can lead to success. The team will need to show they can build on the momentum of their off-season moves and avoid the same pitfalls that have plagued them in recent years.
