Even with a second consecutive 1,000-yard season to open his NFL career, Garrett Wilson left 2023 with a disappointed feeling.
A season-ending Achilles tear to star New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers left the team in disarray, and they limped to a 7-10 finish that matched their record from Wilson’s 2022 Offensive Rookie of the Year campaign.
That’s why it was important for the former Buckeye wideout to take some time for himself this offseason.
“You’ve just gotta disconnect a little bit when you have your time to spend with family, to spend with your loved ones and people that care about you,” Wilson said in May. “You’ve gotta embrace it. You’ve gotta do it. You’ve gotta go see the World, and I’m blessed to be in this position, so I want to reap the benefits when I have the time, and I feel like that’s the only way to go about it.”
Now that he’s recharged, Wilson is continuing to build his connection with Rodgers, adding some strength and embracing more of a leadership role as he centers his focus on helping guide New York to the playoffs in 2024.
“It’s two days into OTAs so I like to temper expectations with everything,” Rodgers said on May 21. “He’s got all the makings of a star receiver. We feel like if we can both stay healthy, then we can accomplish a lot this year. But it’s going to be important we communicate. I think having (wide receivers coach Shawn Jefferson) in the room is going to be great for him.”
Some stability at quarterback would be welcome for Wilson this season.
A revolving door of three signal callers played for the Jets following Rodgers’ injury, those being Zach Wilson, Trevor Siemian and Tim Boyle. Combined the trio completed just 59.4% of their throws with more interceptions (15) than touchdowns (11).
Wilson still muscled through with 95 receptions for 1,042 yards, both team highs. But he’s eager to see what he and the team can achieve with a consistent threat under center should the 40-year-old Rodgers stay healthy all year.
“Sometimes in this league, playing 18 games – they’re trying to make it 20, that sounds like a little fever dream, to be honest – but if we can find a way to stay upright out there, keep Aaron on his feet, I’m excited for that,” Wilson said. “It’s harder done than said. It’s one of those things. That’s a lot of games. (Quarterbacks) take a lot of hits. They take a lot of hits when they’re not looking. It’s just, ‘How can we keep him healthy?’”
New York did ensure that it will have a better backup plan at the very least. The Jets signed 13-year veteran journeyman Tyrod Taylor at quarterback, a player with more than 12,000 NFL passing yards under his belt.
“Getting to work with Tyrod over the last couple of months has been awesome, man,” Wilson said. “You see why he’s had the success that he’s had. It definitely (provides a sense of security). We’ve gotten some reps in and I’m confident that we’d get it done.”
While his organization tended to that signing and that of a veteran complement to Wilson at wide receiver in Mike Williams, Wilson took his relaxation and recovery alongside some physical transformations.
“It was zen, man, it was chill,” Wilson said of his offseason. “I feel like I got to get my feet back under me, my head right and improve on some of the things that I wanted to improve on before we got back here. Being stronger, playing at a higher weight and being able to be better when you’re called upon.”
Even if the duo didn’t get a chance to play out the NFL regular season together a year ago, Wilson and Rodgers have still developed some chemistry since he was dealt to New York 15 months ago.
“We’re able to have some conversations that we wouldn’t have had initially at this time of the year last year,” Wilson said. “Those tougher conversations, those ones where we might disagree, where we do agree, where he’s got his two cents on it, which is always the best two cents I’ve heard. But me being who I am, I’m going to throw my two cents in there. So it’s been awesome. He’s a resource for me.”
This year feels like a reclamation year for Wilson and for the Jets, something symbolized by a change in jersey for the native Texan.
Wilson donned No. 17 on Sundays for his first two professional campaigns, but now that he’s got some seasoning he’s opted to swap back into No. 5, which he wore both in high school and at Ohio State. It might seem like a subtle change, but as many who’ve played sports can attest, there’s often a special connection between an athlete and the number he or she wears.
“I feel like myself,” Wilson said of switching back to No. 5. “I didn’t really realize it, but something was off. Something was off. I feel like myself (again).”
Also changing for Wilson in year three is his role within the Jets’ locker room. He feels more responsibility to fill a leadership role, even if he’s not the type to get super vocal in guiding others.
“You just have more to offer,” Wilson said. “Once you’ve had two years, two seasons, you just have more to give. You’ve got more to talk about. You have a little better grasp on what’s going on. But also for your peers, they feel like you’re one of those guys that they can come up to just because they’re trying to figure out how they can play three years and have the same success.
“So for me, I know I’m like a sponge. I still don’t feel like a vet. I always offer what I can, I feel like I’m more of a show-you guy. I’m going to show you how to practice, show you how to do certain things. But whenever they want to come up and bounce some thoughts off of me, I’m always there for that.”
Above all else, Wilson’s goal for 2024 is to see the postseason for the first time as a professional. He’s put that objective above any personal accolades.
“Winning games. Getting into the playoffs,” Wilson said when asked what the "next level" is for him. “I’m confident that, if we do that, everything will take care of itself. I’ve always kind of lived by that. Let’s focus on winning and the other stuff will shine through. You’ve got to win somehow. We’re gonna score points and I’ll have something to do with it. We all will.”
