FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — New York Jets extensive receiver Garrett Wilson mentioned he is “tremendous pumped” to be again on the sphere after lacking two video games with a knee harm. He is not tremendous pumped that cornerback Sauce Gardner is not there with him.
Commenting for the primary time since Gardner and Quinnen Williams had been traded, Wilson mentioned Thursday he trusts the entrance workplace and its roster-building philosophy, however he acknowledged that it was tough to lose Gardner.
“My feelings, like that aspect of it, I hate it, I hate it, you already know what I am saying?” mentioned Wilson, drafted tenth general in 2022 — six spots after Gardner. “I play soccer. I play with my brothers. I get to know my brothers. I hate it, however I am paid to play soccer. Nobody cares if I hate it. Go catch the ball. You already know what I am saying? That is how I see it.”
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Not solely had been Wilson and Gardner drafted about two hours aside, however they finalized four-year contract extensions on back-to-back days in July — for $130 million and $120 million, respectively. They had been tied collectively, seen as cornerstone gamers.
On Tuesday, the Jets surprised the NFL by buying and selling Gardner to the Indianapolis Colts for first-round picks in 2026 and 2027 and extensive receiver Adonai Mitchell. A short while later, they dealt Williams to the Dallas Cowboys for a 2026 second-round selection, a 2027 first-rounder and defensive deal with Mazi Smith.
Wilson mentioned he was “shocked” by the trades, saying they had been a reminder of the fickle nature of the enterprise. The Jets (1-7) are rebuilding with draft capital, seemingly sacrificing wins this season though basic supervisor Darren Mougey insisted Tuesday, “I would not name it a teardown.”
Wilson wears the losses on his sleeve, so it is truthful to surprise if he is on board with the course of the franchise.
“I receives a commission to catch passes, block, assist my teammates out, make performs, you already know what I am saying?” he mentioned. “[The front office gets] paid to try this. I will play soccer and I am excited, man. I am excited to go at this factor and chase it. They’ve a imaginative and prescient. Like I mentioned, I do not receives a commission to have a imaginative and prescient. They do they usually bought one and I’ve to belief them, man. I do.”
Like Gardner’s extension, Wilson’s included a $13.75 million signing bonus and rolling ensures. The comparatively modest upfront cash lowers the cap hit in the event that they determine to commerce him, as Gardner discovered.
Wilson mentioned he is not anxious about job safety.
“I actually imagine you prepare day-after-day since you’re as replaceable as hell,” he mentioned. “That is the best way I see it.”
Wilson, who injured his knee in Week 6, returned to observe this week and proclaimed himself able to play Sunday in opposition to the Cleveland Browns (2-6) at MetLife Stadium. Due to final week’s bye, he missed solely two video games — the primary harm of his profession. He had performed 57 straight video games earlier than twisting his knee late within the Week 6 loss the Denver Broncos in London.
Earlier than the harm, Wilson was on tempo to put up profession numbers — 36 receptions, 395 yards and 4 touchdowns in six video games. He mentioned it was “enlightening” to observe from the sideline, including that there was a silver lining to the harm.
“Perhaps it was good for me to appreciate that you simply’re not going to be on the market each week,” he mentioned. “[You have to] go about it the best manner. Each play is tremendous necessary. Perhaps I used to be taking it as a right a bit of bit and I am again to my previous methods. I am excited to return on the market.”
