Garrett Wilson has been the New York Jets’ top receiving threat since he was taken with the 10th overall pick in the 2022 NFL draft.

Through his first four seasons, the Ohio State product and former Offensive Rookie of the Year has shown why that is the case. In 54 games, he has recorded 315 receptions for 3,644 yards and 18 touchdowns.

But he’s never been an All-Pro player, and he’s never even been named to the Pro Bowl, two distinctions often used as markers of the game’s elite receivers.

At 25 years old, there is still plenty of time for Wilson to earn those accolades. Many analysts believe he is already under consideration as a top 10 wide receiver.

Part of it is out of Wilson’s control. The Jets have failed to provide him a quarterback he can rely on.

Can a new leader take Wilson’s game to the next level?

That is the question New York hopes Geno Smith can provide a positive answer to.

Wilson’s next step

New York acquired Geno Smith just ahead of the start of the new league year. It’s the second time the former second-round pick will be given a chance to start for the Jets in his career.

Unlike in 2013, though, Smith has a top receiver in Wilson as his go-to guy.

That is something he isn’t taking lightly.

“A true No. 1, Top 10 receiver in this league,” Smith said of Wilson while speaking to reporters last week. “Everybody knows what he can do. It’s my job to get him the ball and get him the ball early, get him the touches he needs.”

But can Smith take Wilson to the next level? Is there even a next level to get to for the Jets’ No. 1 receiver?

Smith has struggled in the last couple of seasons (32 interceptions combined in Seattle and Las Vegas), but his best work has come when he has a dependable offensive line and a receiving corps he can trust.

He has both with the Jets.

While Wilson has put up strong numbers with different quarterbacks throwing him the football, Smith offers him a chance to get a plethora of targets—perhaps even more than he may be anticipating. DK Metcalf, the top receiver when Smith was playing in Seattle, set a career high in targets (141) in his first year with the veteran quarterback.

The sky has always been the limit for Wilson. He just needs someone to get him the ball consistently.

Jets’ offensive outlook

Of course, there are other reasons beyond the quarterback that have caused Wilson to be seen as a really good but not great player at the NFL level.

Since his draft selection in 2022, the Jets have had three different schemes and four different play-callers. This year, with Frank Reich running the offense, it will be five. The lack of stability has been a major detriment to Wilson’s game and overall outlook across the league.

Some of the coordinators have been able to scheme the wideout open. Others had trouble realizing the Jets had a quality pass-catching running back, let alone how to use their star receiver.

It’s been a mess.

But with a competent offensive line, the return of Breece Hall, Smith’s acquisition, and the expectation of reinforcements in the receiving room, 2026 could very well be the year Wilson has the kind of cast that a top receiver in the league needs to thrive.