Who will assume WR2 duties on the New York Jets roster this coming season?
That is one of the hottest questions among Jets fans as the team lacks a clear-cut, reliable option behind wide receiver Garrett Wilson.
Enter Tyler Johnson.
Johnson signed with the Jets this offseason, marking his sixth stop throughout his NFL career. Originally selected by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the fifth round of the 2020 NFL draft, Johnson has taken a winding path through the league.
Over the past four seasons, he has suited up for five different teams: Tampa Bay, Houston, Las Vegas, and the Rams, with a brief return to the Buccaneers in 2022. In 49 career appearances, including eight starts, Johnson has hauled in 76 receptions for 828 yards and four touchdowns on 116 targets.
Why would Tyler Johnson be the New York Jets’ WR2 sleeper?
Tyler Johnson is a sleeper to be the Jets’ WR 2
While much of the attention has centered on Josh Reynolds or Allen Lazard as potential No. 2 options, others are hoping rookie Arian Smith or second-year receiver Malachi Corley can seize the role this summer.
Yet Johnson’s name has rarely entered the conversation, a puzzling omission given the value and upside he offers.
Contested catch value
Despite limited opportunities, Tyler Johnson has been highly reliable in contested-catch situations, securing 12 of 17 such targets in his NFL career, a strong 70.6% success rate.
The Jets should look to capitalize on that strength, as Johnson has the potential to emerge as a valuable possession receiver and downfield threat.
Last season, New York lacked a consistent contested-catch option; Johnson could fill that void in 2025.
Strong hands
Few things are more frustrating for fans than watching receivers drop passes—a recurring issue for the Jets. In 2024, six Jets pass catchers posted a drop rate above 10%, which is significantly higher than the league average of 6.7%.
Johnson, however, has been a model of consistency. He has caught 76 of 80 career catchable targets (per Jets X-Factor’s Michael Nania), a 95% clip, with a drop rate of just 5.0%, which is comfortably below the league average.
The former Ram is a dependable option who rarely suffers from concentration drops, a trait that could prove vital in shaping the Jets’ target distribution this season.
YAC threat
During the 2024 season, Johnson emerged as one of the league’s top threats after the catch, recording 117 yards after catch over expected, according to Next Gen Stats, the seventh-highest mark among all NFL receivers.
With the Jets expected to lean on a quick-passing game plan under quarterback Justin Fields, Johnson’s elusiveness and YAC ability make him a strong candidate to thrive in that role.
Summary
Over his five NFL seasons, Johnson has flashed the skill set of a high-level receiver but has yet to receive sufficient opportunities to prove it on a larger scale.
The Jets could be the team to unlock that potential. Johnson has the tools to develop into a reliable target capable of recording 50 to 60 receptions per season and making a meaningful impact.
He checks several boxes that the Jets value in their receivers and could legitimately emerge as the team’s No. 2 option.
Given his upside and the lack of proven depth, Johnson is poised to play a pivotal role in New York’s passing attack this season.
