The New York Jets have most of their starting lineup set on the offensive side of the ball.
One of the few position battles currently underway, though, is the one at WR2. Garrett Wilson is New York’s best receiver and is going to get most of the targets on the outside.
The Jets still need to find quality receivers who can play alongside Wilson throughout the 2025 season.
While no position battles will be won during offseason workouts, it is clear that there is an obvious leader for that role.
Jets WR Position Battle Update
ESPN’s Rich Cimini reported Sunday afternoon that Josh Reynolds, the former Detroit Lions receiver signed this offseason, is the “leader of the clubhouse” for the second receiver slot.
He later mentioned that Allen Lazard could very well be moved later during the preseason if he is unable to carve a role for himself.
We at Jets X-Factor can at least corroborate Cimini’s initial reporting on Reynolds. He’s been far and away the most consistent receiver outside of Wilson. He understands the offensive concepts, having been in this system before, and was consistent in catching the football.
The same could not be said for a player like Lazard, who, while he did enjoy a solid minicamp, is one of the worst receivers in the league when it comes to dropped passes. Tyler Johnson, another free agent acquisition, has not been as impactful as either player.
Then there are the Jets’ young wideouts. Malachi Corley and Arian Smith were drafted by the team in the last two drafts. Both appeared to be dealing with injuries and sat out most of minicamp.
Of the two, it seems that Smith has the best chance to make an impact this season. He has participated through offseason workouts, and is a player that the current regime drafted. That’s an important distinction compared to Corley.
There are plenty of undrafted free agents like Quentin Skinner and Jamaal Pritchett who have stood out during offseason workouts as well. Those players are expected to be quality practice squad candidates or special teams candidates. They aren’t going to be expected to get plays on the offensive side of the ball.
That’s where things are now. Wilson’s stardom means there will be fewer targets to go around for everyone else in the room. As things stand, the Jets know that their WR2 position won’t be expected to have the same impact as others around the league.
Quarterback Justin Fields targets secondary receiving options less than the average signal-callers around the league. He tends to heavily focus on his WR1 and TE1. That isn’t expected to change in 2025.
The question left is who will end up winning the job as the second receiver opposite Wilson.
While there isn’t any clear-cut answer just yet, there is clearly a leader in the clubhouse.