The New York Jets may not boast a roster brimming with stars, but Garrett Wilson undeniably stands out as their premier talent. As the Jets' go-to receiver, Wilson is compensated accordingly, with a four-year, $130 million extension inked last summer by Darren Mougey. This deal places him as the sixth-highest-paid wide receiver in the league, earning an average of $32.5 million annually.
While Wilson's stats may not be eye-popping-he's yet to make a Pro Bowl or surpass 1,200 yards in a season-his consistency and skill make him a formidable pass-catching threat. Over his first three seasons, Wilson consistently topped 1,000 yards, despite catching passes from a rotating cast of quarterbacks, including Zach Wilson, Mike White, Tim Boyle, and a past-his-prime Aaron Rodgers.
Yet, some, like Bleacher Report, argue that Wilson is the most overpaid player on the Jets' roster. Brad Gagnon from B/R recently named Wilson as the Jets' most overpaid player, citing his substantial contract as a burden.
Gagnon points out, "He's still technically cheap for now, but that four-year, $130 million extension kicks in next year and Wilson's $32.5 million AAV ranks sixth at the position. The talent and potential are undeniable, but this is still a guy who has never put up 1,200 yards or eight touchdowns in a single season and is making borderline Justin Jefferson money."
What Gagnon overlooks is the context of Wilson's early career and the less-than-stellar quarterback play he's endured since entering the league. As a former first-round pick, Wilson is vital to the Jets' roster. Without the contract, there's a strong chance he would have sought a trade out of New York.
If we're talking about contracts that might not match performance, linebacker Jamien Sherwood's deal is a more fitting example. The Jets signed Sherwood to a three-year, $45 million contract just before free agency last year.
Unfortunately, his performance in 2025 didn't quite justify the investment. Despite being the sixth-highest-paid off-ball linebacker, Sherwood ranked 35th among 88 qualified players according to Pro Football Focus.
It's puzzling how Gagnon could overlook Sherwood's struggles while pinpointing Wilson as the financial misstep. In reality, Wilson's contract seems poised to hold up well over time, especially when compared to recent deals like those of Jaxon Smith-Njigba and the anticipated extension for Puka Nacua.