Garrett Wilson has been impressive in his first two seasons in the NFL.
The Jets wide receiver had over 1,000 yards receiving in each of his first two seasons.
He’s recorded 178 receptions for 2,145 yards and seven touchdowns despite playing with seven different quarterbacks over the past two years.
But for Wilson, Year 3 is just one statistic after going 7-10 over the previous two seasons.
“Win games. Make the playoffs,” Wilson said Wednesday when asked what his next goal is. “Once we do that, I’m sure everything else will fall into place. I’ve always lived by that philosophy: Just focus on winning. Everything else will fall into place. We’ve got to win somehow. We’ve got to get points and I’ll contribute to that somehow. I think we all will. I’m excited.”
The Jets entered last season with high hopes after acquiring Aaron Rodgers in a trade, but suffered a disastrous defeat after just four games into the season.
Wilson said expectations are high again and that this time he believes the Jets can win if they can keep their key players healthy.
“I’m confident, like any year, but this year, if I can just find a way to stay healthy and play well on big Sundays, I’ll be OK,” Wilson said.
The chemistry between Wilson and Rodgers was on display during OTAs on Wednesday.
Wilson made a diving catch of a pass from Rodgers over the middle.
Wilson said he and the quarterback have become much more comfortable together a year into their relationship as teammates.
“By this time last year, we’re able to have those conversations that we weren’t able to have initially,” Wilson said. “The difficult conversations are when we disagree, when we agree, when he gives his opinion, and it’s always the best opinion I’ve ever heard. I’m me, so I’ll give my opinion. It’s great. He’s my go-to guy, someone I can bounce ideas off of.
“I love football and I love talking about the game. I’ve found that he’s exactly the same as me. We get on really well and I hope to continue to build on that relationship.”
The 23-year-old Wilson has been one of the key pieces of the offense along with fellow 2022 draft pick Breece Hall.
Though the Jets didn’t win a championship, Wilson looks like a key piece to lay the foundation for the team’s future.
Coach Robert Saleh often says that when players enter their third NFL season, everything starts to click for them.
Wilson is already performing well, but Saleh said he expects him to be even better in year three.
“Just continuing the development process,” Saleh said of Wilson’s next steps. “I’m not putting any extra expectations on him, but year three is where our young guys really get it. He’s had a great first two years, but year three is where they’re learning to balance their newfound fame, the money in their bank account, social media, branding, family and football. They’re learning how to balance all that and still keep their main goal, which is to be a great football player.”
“He’s always been calm. Now in his third year and knowing the game as well as he does now, the possibilities are endless.”
Wilson said he’s focused on getting stronger this offseason.
“Last year I actually got bigger. I’m more weight bearing,” Wilson said. “I’m stronger. I can lift heavier. And by bigger I mean I cut more. I was able to get it done. Now it’s time to get on the field and show it.”
