With the NFL trade deadline approaching, New York Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson has reiterated his commitment to the team while acknowledging that winning is his ultimate priority. Despite swirling trade rumors, Wilson stated he does not plan to request a trade, but he made it clear that his desire for victories supersedes his overall satisfaction with his current situation.
"I want to be here, man," Wilson said. "I want to win games. That’s the one thing we’ve been missing on here. I love it here. Do I love it more than I love winning? Naw, to be completely honest."
At 2-5, the Jets are facing another season with slim chances of meaningful football, a reality that has tested Wilson's optimism.
"But I’m hopeful," Wilson added. "I’ve never been the best, like, optimistic guy, but I’ve found a way, I’ve 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."
Adding to the frustration has been Wilson's perceived lack of involvement in the offense at times. In the Jets' recent 28-25 loss to the Dolphins, Wilson was targeted only three times, tied for fourth most on the team. He was observed expressing his frustration on the sideline during the game.
"No doubt," Wilson said when asked if the situation was frustrating. "I’d be lying if I said it’s not. But at the end of the day, it comes down to winning and losing. Just throughout my experience, when things go right, I tend to have a part in that. When it doesn’t, it seems avoidable. That’s my main frustration, that maybe shows on the TV or something like that."
Wilson clarified that his frustration stems from a desire to contribute and help the team succeed. "I want to have an impact and I want to help the team. Really, I just want to help the team."
He also noted that seeing other top receivers in the league consistently receive more targets can be frustrating, though he acknowledged that each team's situation is unique.
Quarterback Geno Smith addressed the target distribution, stating his decisions are based on reading the defense and making the best play for the team. "I’m always trying to make the best decision for the team while focusing on getting the ball into the hands of our playmakers," Smith said. "Garrett’s a guy that, I’ve always said this, I’m looking to get him the football as much as I can, but gotta be mindful of what the defense is doing as well."
Despite trade rumors, Wilson indicated that his desire to stay with the Jets is understood by the team's leadership.
"I feel like it’s understood," Wilson said. "We’ve had talks throughout their two years here, they know how I operate as well. I would kind of just say it’s out there, that’s the world, but it’s not like we’re moving around in here like we’re accounting for it. I don’t let that bleed into when I get in this facility. I don’t. It’s about getting better at football each day, trying to help this team win."
Wilson concluded by emphasizing that focusing on external factors is unproductive. "It’s just out of my control. I don’t like to waste too much thought power on it. … Our job as football players is, every time we take that football field, leave no doubt. Right now, we’re leaving doubt. And that’s where narratives come in and people can talk. That’s the world."