Wide receiver Garrett Wilson made it known following the New York Jets' 19-9 home loss to the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday that he was less than pleased with the fact that he was targeted just three times over the contest's first 55 minutes.
Jets interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich spoke with reporters on Monday and indicated he could ask quarterback Aaron Rodgers to look for Wilson early and often when 4-11 New York plays at the 12-3 Buffalo Bills this coming Sunday.
"At the end of the day, we have to find ways to get Garrett the ball more often," Ulbrich said, as shared by Ryan Dunleavy of the New York Post. "He’s one of the best players on our team — if not one of the best players in this league, especially at his position. The progression, for a lot of different reasons from a coverage standpoint, took (Rodgers) off Garrett. But, at the same time, we have to find ways to get him the ball, for sure."
Specifically, Wilson suggested shortly after Sunday's defeat that unnamed "people" were responsible for his lack of opportunities against the Rams. Rich Cimini of ESPN was among those who hinted that Wilson was referencing Rodgers, a 41-year-old future Hall of Famer who understands he could be shown the door by a new Jets regime early next year and, thus, likely doesn't have to worry all that much about his relationships with younger players.
As for Wilson, the 24-year-old who is eligible to negotiate a contract extension this coming offseason for the first time in his career did nothing last week to quiet rumors claiming that he could ask the Jets for a trade. Late Monday morning, Jets beat reporter Brian Costello of the New York Post mentioned that "there is speculation from people who know Wilson that he will ask for a trade after the season."
Ulbrich won't be involved with whatever those running the Jets decide to do regarding Wilson's future. Truth be told, the coach likely is trying to merely survive the final two weeks of the franchise's latest disappointing season.
"If you weren’t frustrated, I think that would bother me to an extent. I think he’s just one of those ultimate competitors that wants the ball," Ulbrich added about Wilson. "Not for selfish reasons – just from the standpoint he knows he can help our team win if he does have the ball in his hands."
As of Monday afternoon, DraftKings Sportsbook listed the Jets as 9.5-point underdogs against the Bills.
More must-reads:
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!