The 2025 New York Jets are going to look a little different compared to recent Jets teams. Yes, Aaron Glenn will be the head coach on the sideline and his coaching staff with offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand and defensive coordinator Steve Wilks will give this team a new look, but their playstyle will vary.
Gang Green hasn’t had a rush-first quarterback ever in their team’s history. They’ve had some passers that could scramble a little, but not to the ability of Fields.
But in regards to things to look out for this spring before Training Camp returns in July, there are some players to watch closely as potential diamonds in the rough and one star wide receiver wanting a new contract.
Garrett Wilson Contract Saga
Garrett Wilson hasn’t been blessed with elite quarterback play, let alone mediocre quarterback play. The best quarterback he’s had was an injured Aaron Rodgers, who forced his old buddy, Davante Adams, when he finally came back healthy.
Since Wilson’s rookie year in 2022, he’s caught passes from eight different quarterbacks: Aaron Rodgers, Tyrod Taylor, Zach Wilson, Mike White, Trevor Siemian, Tim Boyle, Joe Flacco, and Chris Streveler.
Over those three years, he recorded 1,000-plus yards each season, 3,249 total yards, 14 total touchdowns, and 279 receptions.
It’s been reported by multiple outlets that his team has been working with the Jets on a new contract, but Darren Mougey and the new regime don’t owe him anything just yet.
Mougey wasn’t the one to draft him, but they’re also not going to let elite talent like that walk out the door. He’s entering his fourth season, and the Jets have already picked up his fifth-year option, so he’s guaranteed to be on the team for the next two seasons. Wilson can also be franchise-tagged after his fifth season, which gives the Jets three years of team control over Wilson.
In addition to the first franchise tag, the NFL and NFLPA allow a player to be tagged a second time, back-to-back seasons, but the chances of that occurring are very unlikely.
“I’m gonna go do my part to make sure it’s undeniable when the time does come and those conversations are being had,” Wilson told the media on May 21. “I’m hopeful that I’m a Jet for life.”
Wide Receiver Battle
Outside of Wilson, the No. 2, 3, and 4 receiver spots are up for grabs in the Jets’ new-look offense. Despite the new front office allowing Allen Lazard to seek a trade earlier this offseason, they couldn’t find a trade partner, and he’ll likely be the No. 2 pass catcher for the green and white.
Second-year receiver Malachi Corley, rookie Arian Smith, and third-year speedster Xavier Gipson will duke it out for the slot role and fourth spot on this offense.
Corley was drafted by Joe Douglas and Robert Saleh, but never really saw the field. When he did, his notable lowlight was letting go of the football before he crossed the goal line and fumbled the ball out of bounds.
Gipson adds some speed to this offense, but his route running and catching must improve for him to make an impact on this team.
The Jets spent a fourth-round pick on the Georgia wideout Smith, who reminds Glenn of a familiar friend.
According to Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic, Glenn compared Smith dealing with drop issues to what he witnessed with Jameson Williams on the Lions, but he thinks he can improve on that like Williams did.
His blazing speed and lanky build would complement Wilson and Lazard very well, giving Fields a new shiny toy if he can fix his drop issues.
Two hidden gems enter OTAs
ESPN’s Rich Cimini wrote in a column on Sunday that there’s a “hidden gem” that nobody is talking about out of Jets camp.
The do-it-all undrafted free agent signing Ja’Markis Weston out of Florida has caught the eyes of coaches with his ability to play almost anywhere.
At Florida, Weston gained experience playing wide receiver, linebacker, safety, edge rusher, and gunner on special teams. Regardless of where he ends up at the NFL level, the Jets can use him in multiple spots. The more positions you can play, the more likely you are to make an NFL roster.
New York has hinted at a potential run-stuffing defensive tackle that could line up next to Quinnen Williams this season.
Byron Cowart, who has been in the league since 2019, has spent time with the New England Patriots, Indianapolis Colts, and his most recent stint in Chicago with the Bears.
“Byron Cowart actually stood out to me next to Quinnen [Williams]. He looked really good. He is probably the favorite to start, I would say,” Rosenblatt said. “He was getting a lot of pressure. I think he has a really good shot to start next to Quinnen Williams.”
This new regime has been tight-lipped about everything regarding the team since they were hired earlier this year, but it’ll be interesting to see how these scenarios play out.
