Jets Star: Winning Beats Staying

Garrett Wilson told reporters he prefers to remain with the New York Jets, yet he admitted the team's persistent losing record is becoming difficult to accept.

The receiver made these comments during a media session before the team's Week 8 game against the Las Vegas Raiders. Wilson, selected 10th overall in the 2022 NFL Draft, has played for the franchise during its 15-season playoff drought, the longest active streak in professional sports.

He stated, "I want to be here, man. I want to win games and that's the one thing we've been missing on here. I love it here. Do I love it more than I love winning? Nah, to be completely honest, but I'm hopeful." Wilson acknowledged that his optimism has been tested over the past three to five years, noting that each weekly loss carries more weight because of that history.

Wilson's frustration was visible on the sideline during the Jets' 28-25 loss to the Miami Dolphins. In that game, quarterback Geno Smith targeted Wilson only three times, and the receiver caught two passes for 26 yards. In the previous week against the New England Patriots, Wilson recorded four catches for 44 yards.

Financial constraints limit the likelihood of a trade. Wilson signed a four-year, $130 million contract that extends his tenure with the Jets through 2030. Despite this high price tag, the team has shown willingness to move veteran assets. Last season, the Jets traded defensive tackle Quinnen Williams to the Dallas Cowboys and cornerback Sauce Gardner to the Indianapolis Colts. Gardner signed a four-year, $120 million extension just before being moved to Indianapolis.

The Jets currently hold a 2-5 record, tying them with the Indianapolis Colts. The Colts have already indicated they will sell before the November 10 trade deadline. Since Wilson's arrival, the Jets have compiled a 24-51 record. They have never finished a season with more than seven wins in that span. Wilson said he would be lying if he claimed the compounding losses and lack of targets did not cause frustration, but he insisted his visible emotion stems from a desire to win.

He explained, "Throughout my experience, when things go right, I tend to have a part in that. And when it doesn't, it seems avoidable. That's my main frustration that may show on the TV or something like that. But I don't want it to ever be misconstrued. This all comes from a place in my heart of wanting to win. I'm biased, but it also comes from experience where I played my part in that."