3 reasons why New York Jets should trade Garrett Wilson before 2025 NFL Draft

Garrett Wilson's New York Jets, after months of essentially waiting for the season to conclude so they could react to what was broken about the team, can now finally get active.

That means instead of writing a to-do list, the team is beginning to tick boxes off. One potential to-do item should be moving on from Garrett Wilson. Here's why.

#1 Kickstart the rebuild

Garrett Wilson holding a football - Source: Imagn

At this point, whether the Jets go all-in on a rebuild in 2025 or 2026, it is clear that change is coming to every corner of the roster. Aaron Rodgers' deal expires after 2025, so no matter who the team brings in or doesn't this season, they will make a move next year.

However, if they trade Wilson, they can get back a significant return that could bring several quality rookies to the team. If their goal is to rebuild the team, why not do it the fastest way possible?

#2 Double-down on defensive football style

Garrett Wilson outrunning a member of the Miami Dolphins - Source: Imagn

The New York Jets are a historically defensive, hard-nosed football team. However, Wilson's presence has been in direct contrast to that due to him being a flashy receiver.

If the Jets allocate resources away from the receiving room and double down on the defense, it forces the coaching staff to stay true to how the team was built.

Having Wilson on the roster hurts the team's ability to stay true, almost like keeping junk food in the house. It might be fun and even not show on the scale after indulging once or twice, but that is a stepping stone to bad habits antithetical to what the goal is.

Moving on from Wilson forces the Jets to run more and play better defense, which is what their formula should be.

#3 Dodge the veteran deal

Garrett Wilson at New York Jets v Buffalo Bills - Source: Getty

According to Spotrac, Wilson is heading into the final year of his rookie deal. The New York Jets could still take his fifth-year option, but even that price tag is much more than what they are currently paying him.

If the Jets trade Garrett Wilson now, they can skip the negotiation process entirely, leaving it to another team to deal with. This can help keep the salary cap low, opening up new opportunities in the free agent market.