Why Brandon Aiyuk Could Be the Perfect Running Mate for Garrett Wilson in New York
The New York Jets have shown some signs of life lately, winning three of their last five games. It's a step in the right direction, sure-but let’s not pretend this roster is anywhere close to complete.
The quarterback situation remains the elephant in the room, but even beyond that, there are glaring holes that need addressing. One of the biggest?
The wide receiver room.
Right now, it’s Garrett Wilson or bust-and that’s a problem.
Wilson, currently sidelined with a knee injury, has been the lone consistent threat in the Jets’ passing game. Beyond him, it's slim pickings. Adonai Mitchell flashed some potential in Week 13, but relying on a rookie to step into a full-time WR2 role next season is a risky bet, especially for a team trying to climb out of the AFC East basement.
That’s where Brandon Aiyuk comes into the conversation.
Aiyuk’s situation in San Francisco is trending toward a breakup. Despite signing a four-year extension before the 2024 season, tensions have reportedly been building between the receiver and the 49ers' front office-particularly over communication during his recovery from a torn ACL suffered last October. Now, it looks like he could be a cap casualty once the season wraps.
For the Jets, that’s an opportunity they can’t afford to ignore.
They’re projected to have significant cap space heading into free agency, and Aiyuk could be a high-upside addition without breaking the bank. Given the severity of his injury and the time he’s missed-he hasn’t played in over a year-it’s unlikely he commands top-tier money.
That opens the door for a short-term, incentive-heavy deal. Think of it as a one-year “prove-it” contract that gives Aiyuk a shot to reset his market in 2027, while giving the Jets a legitimate WR2 to pair with Wilson.
And when Aiyuk is healthy, he’s a game-changer.
Just look at his 2023 season: 75 catches, 1,342 yards, and seven touchdowns. He was a key piece in the 49ers’ run to the Super Bowl, showcasing his route-running, yards-after-catch ability, and knack for making plays in tight windows. That was his second straight 1,000-yard season, which speaks to his consistency when he’s on the field.
Pairing that kind of production with Wilson would instantly elevate the Jets’ offense-regardless of who’s under center. Whether it’s Fernando Mendoza, Ty Simpson, Dante Moore, or even Justin Fields, they’re going to need more than one reliable target if this offense is going to take a real step forward in 2026.
Of course, there’s one big variable: would Aiyuk want to come to New York?
He wouldn’t be the No. 1 option-that’s Wilson’s role-and he might prefer to join a team with a more stable quarterback situation and clearer championship aspirations. But if he’s open to the idea, the Jets should be first in line. They have the cap space, the need, and a young star in Wilson who could benefit from a true complement on the outside.
Bottom line: if the Jets want to give their next quarterback a fighting chance, they need to surround him with weapons. Brandon Aiyuk might not be a long-term answer, but he could be exactly what this team needs in 2026-a proven playmaker who can take pressure off Wilson and help open up the offense.
If the opportunity presents itself, the Jets should be ready to pounce.