Chiefs and 49ers Pursued Garrett Wilson Before the Deadline, but the Jets Never Budged
Kansas City and San Francisco both showed interest in the Jets' top receiver, but Wilson didn't want to leave and New York views him as a foundational piece
Garrett Wilson had at least two serious suitors before Tuesday's trade deadline. The Chiefs and 49ers were both interested in the Jets receiver, ESPN's Rich Cimini reported in a breakdown of New York's quiet deadline, but a deal was never a realistic possibility.
According to Cimini, Wilson didn't want to leave, and the Jets didn't want to move arguably their best player. Wilson is under contract through 2030 and is viewed as a foundational piece, which matches what a source told Adam Schefter before the deadline, that there was "no way" New York would trade him.
Both pursuers found receiver help elsewhere. Kansas City landed Josh Downs and a 2027 seventh from the Colts for 2027 fourth- and fifth-round picks, and San Francisco added Keenan Allen from Indianapolis for a 2027 sixth.
The Jets, 2-7 and losers of 21 of their last 26 games, made only one minor move, sending safety Andre Cisco to Detroit. They were only willing to deal players on expiring contracts, kept Breece Hall and held on to edge rusher Will McDonald IV despite his trade request. Aaron Glenn said the team's philosophy "hasn't changed from last year," and that the Jets "won't force any issues."
Cimini wrote that the Wilson question could come back in the offseason, depending on how the receiver feels about the team's direction. Wilson has been candid about it:
Wilson missed last week's 35-12 loss in Kansas City after being ruled out with a concussion. The Jets host the Bills on Sunday.