The New York Jets will be looking to take another step forward in 2026, especially on offense, where the team struggled.
It's no secret that the team couldn't get much going through the air last season with Justin Fields at quarterback. The Jets' current receiving corps struggled to consistently impact the passing game.
That was especially true for Garrett Wilson, who established himself as one of the NFL's best wide receivers.
His first four years in the NFL have been stellar, as he has emerged as one of the league's premier wide receivers thanks to his shiftiness and route running. However, he took a step back last season due to ongoing knee issues, which limited him to just seven games in the 2025 NFL season.
Now, Wilson and the rest of the Jets’ wide receiver corps are looking to bounce back as part of an offense that is expected to improve heading into the 2026 season.
Garrett Wilson Bounce-Back Season
Wilson will be the focal point of the Jets’ passing attack next season.
CBS Sports writer Josh Edwards listed Wilson among NFL stars who could have a resurgence during the 2026 season.
"Wilson is a bit of a technicality. He averaged 93 receptions and eclipsed 1,000 receiving yards each of his first three seasons,” Edwards wrote. “Last season was strange in that he appeared in the first six games before succumbing to injury, then played on Nov. 9 and spent the rest of the season amid public speculation about whether he was healthy enough to play.”
He also noted, “New York's 2025 plan at quarterback included Justin Fields, Tyrod Taylor and Brady Cook. Geno Smith's situation in Las Vegas was not ideal. Therefore, it is reasonable to question whether Smith may be marginally better with a much-improved offensive line despite being a year older.”
Jets' Wide Receiver Outlook
Heading into the 2026 NFL season, there are plenty of reasons to believe the Jets’ passing attack will perform much better.
Wilson will be healthy and looking to return to the form that made him one of the NFL’s top young receivers. Despite appearing in just seven games, Wilson led the Jets with 395 receiving yards.
The Jets added Adonai Mitchell via trade last season, and he showed flashes of brilliance after arriving from the Indianapolis Colts. The Jets also selected Indiana wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. with the No. 30 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
With Geno Smith providing stability at quarterback and Frank Reich taking over as offensive coordinator, the Jets are hoping their passing game takes a significant leap in 2026.
If Wilson returns to full health, he should once again be the centerpiece of an offense with the potential to be one of the league's most improved.
