The New York Jets have made a bold move to reshape their offense, bringing in Frank Reich as their new offensive coordinator. And for a fanbase that’s grown weary of underwhelming play-callers and stagnant schemes, this hire feels like a breath of fresh air. For the first time in a while, the Jets are handing the keys to someone with a proven offensive pedigree - not a coordinator learning on the job.
Reich’s arrival brings with it the potential for a broader offensive overhaul. There’s already buzz about who might join him on staff, and the idea of respected offensive minds collaborating in Florham Park has Jets fans dreaming big. But amid the optimism, there’s a key question lingering: What does this mean for Garrett Wilson?
Garrett Wilson’s Fit in a Frank Reich Offense
Wilson has been a bright spot since the moment he stepped onto an NFL field. The 2022 AP Offensive Rookie of the Year has thrived in systems that leaned into his strengths - elite route-running, quick separation, and yards after the catch. But Reich’s offensive history suggests a different mold of wide receiver has typically flourished under his watch.
Take Reich’s time in Indianapolis, where the Colts invested in receivers like Michael Pittman Jr. and Alec Pierce. Pittman, a 6-foot-4, 223-pound possession target, was used to dominate the intermediate zones and win contested catches.
Pierce, also a big-bodied receiver at 6-foot-3, was more of a vertical threat, stretching defenses downfield. And even T.Y.
Hilton, who Reich inherited, was known for his speed and deep-ball prowess.
Garrett Wilson, at 6-foot and 183 pounds, doesn’t fit neatly into any of those categories. He’s not a jump-ball specialist like Pittman, nor does he make his living on go routes like Pierce or Hilton.
What Wilson does bring is rare agility, quick-twitch separation, and the ability to turn short gains into big plays. He’s a nightmare in space, but not someone you want consistently battling for 50/50 balls.
Statistically, that shows up in two key areas: contested catch percentage and average depth of target. Wilson’s not built to outmuscle defenders at the catch point, and he’s most effective when working in the short to intermediate areas - the slants, digs, and crossers where his quickness can shine.
So, Where Does That Leave Wilson in Reich’s Offense?
This is where Reich’s experience matters. While he’s favored certain receiver types in the past, he’s also shown a willingness to adapt his system to the strengths of his personnel - especially his quarterbacks. That flexibility could be key to unlocking the best version of Wilson in this new scheme.
One of Reich’s staples is the mesh concept - a route combination that creates natural rubs and space over the middle. It’s a concept Wilson has already thrived in, dating back to his days at Ohio State and throughout his early NFL career.
Reich also leans heavily on triangle reads, which force defenders into tough decisions by layering routes at multiple depths. These designs can help a technician like Wilson find soft spots in the defense and get the ball in stride.
In other words, while Wilson may not be a textbook fit for Reich’s historical receiver profile, there are plenty of tools in the playbook that can be tailored to his skill set. Reich’s challenge will be to strike that balance - keeping the vertical elements he likes while also maximizing the unique talents of his top wideout.
The Bottom Line
There’s no doubt that this pairing will require some adjustment - for Wilson, for Reich, and for the entire Jets offense. But talent tends to find a way, and Garrett Wilson has too much of it to simply fade into the background. At the same time, Reich is far too seasoned to force a square peg into a round hole.
It might not be a seamless transition from day one, but if Reich can build around what Wilson does best - rather than trying to change him - the Jets could be looking at an offense that finally starts to live up to its potential.