In a league where elite wide receiver duos have become increasingly rare, the New York Jets struck gold in 2024 with the arrival of All-Pro Davante Adams to pair with ascending star Garrett Wilson. The tandem has electrified the Jets’ passing attack, but with contract questions looming, their long-term future together is far from certain.
Adams and Wilson: A Match Made in Green Heaven
Since the blockbuster trade that brought Adams to the Big Apple in Week 7, he and Wilson have been on an absolute tear. Despite the truncated timeline, their production ranks among the NFL’s best over that span:
- 92 receptions (4th among WR duos)
- 1,185 yards (5th)
- 8 touchdowns (T-6th)
Adams credits much of his success to the defensive attention Wilson attracts. “I’ve never played with a receiver that gets as much respect from defenses as he does,” the 9-year vet told ESPN. “It gives me certain opportunities to be one-on-one more than what I’ve had in the past.”
Imagining a Full Season of Fireworks
It’s tantalizing to think about what these two could accomplish over 17 games in 2025. Adams believes they’d be even more productive after a full offseason to gel. “It’s promising for the future, even just for the next opportunity that we have,” he said.
Wilson, on the other hand, was more guarded in his assessment: “I’m not going to get too ahead of myself. Yeah, we’ll see what happens.”
Contract Conundrum Clouds the Crystal Ball
While both wideouts are under contract for 2024, the long-term forecast is murky at best. Adams has a mammoth $35.6M cap hit in 2025 – none of it guaranteed – that screams for a renegotiation or outright release. And Wilson, fresh off his third straight 1,000-yard campaign, will be eligible for an extension for the first time.
Paying both market value could be a big stretch for Gang Green. Adams’ late-season surge will only drive his price tag higher, and he could be tempted to test free agency for the first time. If Wilson’s not feeling the love contractually, a trade demand isn’t out of the question either.
The Jets are facing some fascinating, and potentially expensive, decisions at wide receiver this offseason.
– Rich Cimini, ESPN
Will the Jets’ Receiver Riches Turn to Rags?
It’s the classic NFL “good problem to have” – fielding too much talent at a premium position. But if the Jets aren’t able to keep Adams and Wilson in the fold together, replacing that level of production wouldn’t be easy. Especially if both walk.
Much will depend on the team’s evaluation of soon-to-be 32-year-old Adams and their confidence in soon-to-be-paid Wilson as a true WR1. With other key offensive pieces like QB Aaron Rodgers also carrying mega-deals, something – or someone – may have to give.
For now, Jets fans should enjoy the Adams-Wilson connection while it lasts. Because like so many beautiful NFL partnerships, this too may prove fleeting. The business of football has a way of making even the most magical on-field pairings disappear.
