Garrett Wilson's faith in Jets isn't 'very realistic'

New York Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Garrett Wilson's faith in the Jets' chances isn't 'very realistic'

By Clark Dalton | Last updated Sep 8, 2026 9:07 PM ET

Entering the 2026 NFL season, expectations for the New York Jets are low.

After going 3-14 and missing the playoffs for a 15th consecutive season in its first campaign under head coach Aaron Glenn, New York may not improve in 2026. As of Tuesday, DraftKings Sportsbook lists the Jets' over/under total at 5.5 wins. Wide receiver Garrett Wilson, however, is a glass-half-full kind of person.

Garrett Wilson says Jets could surprise in 2026

Ahead of New York's season opener against the Tennessee Titans (CBS, 1 p.m. ET), Wilson said it's "very realistic" that the Jets make the playoffs this season, and the wideout believes it "should happen."

Wilson, entering his fifth season in New York, acknowledged the Jets haven't been a contender in years. New York hasn't posted a winning record since 2015 and has had double-digit losses for six straight seasons. The WR said those losses motivated the squad to turn things around this offseason.

Garrett Wilson said his definition of success for the Jets this year is making the playoffs. How realistic does he think that is?

"Very realistic. It should happen. It's our job to go play ball and do it." pic.twitter.com/7UWrMptp5D
— SNY Jets (@snyjets) September 8, 2026

"Something is going to happen this year," he said Tuesday. "I'm a faithful guy, and I believe that. With the work we've been putting in, we have as good an opportunity as anybody in the league. I'm excited, man. We have a hell of a group here."

The Jets roster isn't talentless. 2022 Offensive Rookie of the Year Wilson has ranked 23rd in the NFL in receiving yards (3,644) and tied for 23rd in touchdown catches (18) over the past four seasons. Fifth-year running back Breece Hall broke out in 2025, rushing for a career-high 1,065 yards in 16 games.

The problem is the Jets don't have enough players like Hall and Wilson. That extends to quarterback. New York signed QB Geno Smith to a one-year deal this offseason, but don't count on the 2022 Comeback Player of the Year rebounding after throwing a league-leading 17 interceptions in 15 games with the Las Vegas Raiders last season. Trying to win without a clear answer at QB puts the Jets at a huge disadvantage in the AFC East, where Josh Allen (Buffalo Bills) and Drake Maye (New England Patriots) await twice a year.

Wilson may believe the Jets can reach the playoffs, but with a roster missing key pieces and a coach who may be in over his head, that goal is unrealistic.

Clark Dalton

Clark Dalton is a 2022 journalism graduate of the University of Texas at Austin. He gained experience in sports media over the past seven years — from live broadcasting and creating short films to podcasting and producing. In college, he wrote for The Daily Texan. He loves sports and enjoys hiking, kayaking and camping.

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