New York Jets’ playoff hopes may rest on landing a game-changing wide receiver alongisde Garrett Wilson | NFL News
As the 2025 NFL season gets closer, the New York Jets still have big concerns about their wide receiver group. Pro Football Focus ranked the Jets’ receivers 28th in the league – not a great sign for a team hoping to finally break an arduous, 14-year-long playoff drought. Garrett Wilson just signed a whopping $130 million deal to stay as their top target, but beyond him, the depth chart doesn’t offer many proven options – leaving quarterback Justin Fields with limited reliable weapons in the passing game.
Outside Garrett Wilson, the New York Jets are rather thin on reliable options
Apart from Garrett Wilson, the New York Jets are leaning on Josh Reynolds and Allen Lazard, two veterans who bring solid blocking to support the team’s run-first offense – but not much excitement in the passing game. Lazard finished 85th in the NFL in receiving yards last season with just 530, while Reynolds had only 194 yards across two different teams. Clearly, the Jets need another playmaker at wide receiver – someone who can stretch the field, take pressure off Wilson and give new quarterback Justin Fields more support in the passing game. In a recent piece, sports columnist Cody Benjamin suggested one name who could be an ideal fit in New York: San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings.
Jauan Jennings had a breakout season in 2024 and wants a new contract
Jauan Jennings is known for being a tough, physical wide receiver who blocks well in the run game – traits that fit what the New York Jets are looking for on offense. He wasn’t the main target in San Francisco, with Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk usually ahead of him, but when they missed time last season, Jennings stepped up. He caught 77 passes, had nearly 1,000 receiving yards and scored six touchdowns, showing he can handle a bigger role. Now, Jennings wants a new contract. The San Francisco 49ers have said they don’t plan to trade him, but if things don’t get worked out or if another team like the Jets makes a strong offer – that could change.
FAQs
Q: Why do the New York Jets need help at wide receiver?Because outside of Garrett Wilson, the Jets don’t have reliable or proven options in their current receiving group.Q: Who is Jauan Jennings, and why is he a trade target?Jauan Jennings is a wide receiver for the San Francisco 49ers who had a breakout 2024 season. He’s known for physical play and strong blocking, making him a good fit for the Jets’ offense.Q: Is Jauan Jennings available in a trade?The 49ers say they don’t want to trade Jennings, but since he wants a new contract, a trade could happen if the situation changes.Also read: Inside the NFL’s New York Jets’ 2025 season: Can quarterback Justin Fields end the 14-year playoff drought?
