This offseason, the New York Jets focused on building their future while maintaining a core group of players. General manager Darren Mougey and head coach Aaron Glenn demonstrated their dedication by securing key talents, including cornerback Sauce Gardner and wide receiver Garrett Wilson. Wilson signed a significant five-year extension, extending his rookie contract and signaling the organization’s confidence in his potential to become a Pro Bowl player.

Ranking fifth among all NFL receivers in annual contract value, Wilson’s deal reflects high expectations. Despite challenging quarterback situations early in his career, Wilson has consistently impressed, leading analysts to predict a breakout season in 2025-26 as he continues to develop.

Expert Views Highlight Wilson’s Potential First Pro Bowl Appearance

Kevin Patra of NFL.com identified Garrett Wilson as the Jets’ leading candidate to make his first Pro Bowl this upcoming season. Patra emphasized Wilson’s ability to produce impressive statistics despite working with subpar quarterback play, underscoring his resilience and talent.

With Justin Fields now the Jets’ starting quarterback, Patra suggests Wilson is primed for a standout year.

We come to another player who inked a big deal this offseason before making his first Pro Bowl,

Patra wrote.

The fact that Wilson was boxed out of the all-star column is a testament to the otherworldly talents the NFL currently boasts at receiver. Wilson is every bit as skilled as his decorated peers, with stellar hands, a knack for getting open and the ridiculous ability to contort his body and make mind-bending plays seem ho-hum. In light of the caliber of quarterback he’s played alongside, Wilson deserves more than a Pro Bowl nod for generating 1,000 yards in each of his three pro seasons — he should get a medal of valor.

—Kevin Patra, NFL.com Analyst

Wilson’s first three NFL seasons have firmly established him as one of the league’s most talented young receivers. At just 25 years old, his recent 101-catch, 1,104-yard, and 7-touchdown campaign sets a strong foundation for even greater achievements. Looking ahead to the 2025 Pro Bowl selection, only modest improvement may be required to secure an invitation.

Comparing Wilson’s Stats to the AFC Wide Receiver Field

Evaluating last season’s AFC wide receiver performances reveals how realistic Wilson’s Pro Bowl chances are. Other contenders included:

• Ja’Marr Chase (Cincinnati Bengals): 127 receptions, 1,708 yards, 17 touchdowns
• Brian Thomas Jr. (Jacksonville Jaguars): 87 receptions, 1,282 yards, 10 touchdowns
• Jerry Jeudy (Cleveland Browns): 90 receptions, 1,229 yards, 4 touchdowns
• Zay Flowers (Baltimore Ravens): 74 receptions, 1,059 yards, 4 touchdowns
• Nico Collins (Houston Texans): 68 receptions, 1,006 yards, 7 touchdowns

Among these players, Wilson recorded more receptions than all but Chase, outgained Flowers and Collins in receiving yards, and surpassed both Jeudy and Flowers in touchdown totals. This statistical comparison supports the idea that Wilson is well positioned to break into the Pro Bowl conversation.

Wide Receiver Depth in New York Likely Benefits Wilson’s Target Share

While the Jets possess a crowded wide receiver room, this may work in Wilson’s favor rather than against him. The absence of other true star receivers means the team’s offense will likely prioritize feeding the ball to Wilson, increasing his volume and potential production.

Wilson struggled to find chemistry last season with Aaron Rodgers, who frequently favored familiar targets like Davante Adams and Allen Lazard. Overcoming these obstacles demonstrated Wilson’s ability to thrive despite a less-than-ideal passing environment.

The team’s offseason additions include Josh Reynolds as the projected No. 2 wide receiver, and fourth-round draft pick Arian Smith showing promise for secondary roles. Other receivers such as Tyler Johnson and Brandon Smith have yet to establish themselves fully, while special team contributors Xavier Gipson and Jamaal Pritchett are not expected to challenge Wilson’s primary role.

Given this depth chart, Wilson remains the focal point of the Jets’ receiving corps, with an opportunity to build on his impressive trajectory.

Outlook: Wilson’s Continued Rise Could Cement His Star Status

As Garrett Wilson enters his mid-20s, the combination of his contract extension, proven skills, and a more stable quarterback situation points toward his emergence as a leading NFL wide receiver. If Wilson maintains or improves upon his prior season’s performance, he is poised to earn his first Pro Bowl selection in 2025, fulfilling the Jets’ expectations embedded in their long-term investment.

This prediction by Kevin Patra and highlighted by the Jets’ strategic moves underscores Wilson’s position as a key player to watch in the coming season.