Could Jets Be Buyers at Deadline?

The New York Jets are poised to go into the year with one of the league’s lesser receiving corps, particularly behind star Garrett Wilson.

That is at least partly by design, a sacrifice of the Jets’ attempt to allocate resources to the offensive line and running game. Subsequently, New York isn’t expected to make any massive moves at receiver this summer. The front office willingly let Davante Adams go, signed Josh Reynolds to a minor deal, and drafted Arian Smith on Day 3. It simply isn’t a priority for the administration.

But in a world where quarterback Justin Fields exceeds expectations, reinforcements could be in store.

The Jets could trade for receiving help at the deadline, and they do so in Bleacher Report’s list of trades that could shake up the playoff races.

“If the Denver Broncos can’t rekindle the magic of 2024, the team could become sellers ahead of the trade deadline,” Alex Kay wrote. “One candidate to be sent packing is Courtland Sutton, the polarizing wide receiver now entering the final year of his contract.”

Kay projects a 2026 fourth-round pick and a 2027 seventh-rounder for Sutton’s services. Given that he’s a quality veteran in a contract year, that price seems reasonable.

“The New York Jets could be very interested in Sutton’s services if he’s made available,” Kay wrote.

“The club needs to find a running mate for top wideout Garrett Wilson after the failed Davante Adams experiment lasted just 11 games. With Josh Reynolds and Allen Lazard currently penciled in as the potential starters alongside Wilson, Gang Green would be wise to make a run at Sutton.

“The receiver would provide far better support than new quarterback Justin Fields’ current options after Wilson and gives the squad a better chance of making a postseason foray.”

The Jets shouldn’t be expected to make a move before the season. They aren’t expected to compete, and that 2026 draft capital could play a role in acquiring the next franchise quarterback, especially if Fields struggles.

If New York exceeds expectations, spending Day 3 capital on an upgrade could drive home head coach Aaron Glenn’s message about competing, adding to the culture change in East Rutherford.

Sutton is coming off the second 1,000-yard season of his career, and he’s scored 18 touchdowns over the last two seasons. As a big-bodied red zone threat, he’s a strong complement to Wilson on the perimeter.

Sutton makes sense for the Jets on paper, but it will take some shifting fortunes for any negotiations to begin.