New York Jets third-year star Garrett Wilson indicated he can’t wait to play with fellow wide receiver Davante Adams.
The Jets recently acquired Adams, a six-time Pro Bowler, in a blockbuster deal with the Las Vegas Raiders. On Thursday, Wilson told ESPN’s Rich Cimini he’s “excited” to play with Adams, and he was “one of [his] favorite players growing up.”
“It’s a great opportunity for me to learn a lot,” Wilson said. “Hopefully, we can get this thing rolling and start winning a few games.”
The Jets offense has looked underwhelming through its first six games. New York (2-4) is tied for 22nd in the league in points scored per game (18.8) and ranks 16th in passing yards per game (217.2).
Some of the issues may be tied to Wilson and Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers struggling to develop chemistry.
Through his first six starts, Rodgers is tied for seventh in the league in interceptions (five) and has posted a 50.3 QBR, around the league average. Wilson, meanwhile, is averaging a career-low 9.7 yards per reception and has three drops in six games, via Pro Football Reference.
The Jets are counting on Adams maximizing Rodgers. According to ESPN’s Ben Solak, they combined for 68 TDs when they played in Green Bay from 2014-21, the most among QB-WR duos during that time frame.
Wilson may lose targets because of the Rodgers-Adams connection. However, he doesn’t seem to mind.
“At the end of the day, if I lose a few targets, that’s fine,” Wilson said. “I got 22 the other day. It doesn’t take that many to get where I want to get.”
Adams’ presence will make it harder for defenses to double-team Wilson, which should help him get open more easily.
On Wednesday, Jets interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich said Wilson and Adams remind him of former San Francisco 49ers WRs Jerry Rice and Terrell Owens, whom he played with in 2000. (Rice and Owens are now Pro Football Hall of Famers.)
Ulbrich’s comparison seems lofty, but Wilson and Adams could give the Jets a potent duo that helps them get back in the playoff hunt.
