Garrett Wilson or bust.

That has been the New York Jets’ passing offense plan throughout Wilson’s career, save for a half-season stretch with Davante Adams. With nine different quarterbacks throwing passes to Wilson over that time, Gang Green has struggled to find a second receiver worthy of taking pressure off their star wideout.

The strategy must change in 2026 if the Jets have any hopes of fielding a competitive roster.

There will be options New York can choose from. In the draft, top prospects like Ohio State’s Carnell Tate (whom Wilson has vouched for) and USC’s Makai Lemon could be acquired. Other options like Indiana’s Omar Cooper and Arizona State’s Jordyn Tyson are also worthy of consideration.

Of course, the Jets might bypass the wide receiver position early in the draft. If that were to happen, there are several options they could consider on the trade block.

Jets’ receiver options

ESPN’s Rich Cimini detailed the Jets’ thought process for the receiver room heading into the 2026 draft. While he didn’t deny the team could focus on drafting a top wideout, he also opened the door to a trade, something the organization is very familiar with.

“Don’t sleep on the possibility of [Darren] Mougey trading for a veteran,” Cimini said. “It’s already been an active offseason for wide receiver trades, and you’re talking about a GM who has made 12 player trades in a little over a year.”

Last season, the Jets ranked dead last in passing yards. While many of those problems centered around the quarterback position, New York did not field a 400-yard receiver throughout the year.

Clearly, upgrades are needed.

It’s why Cimini name-dropped some of the more popular players available in a potential trade.

“Brian Thomas Jr. (Jacksonville Jaguars), Rashod Bateman (Baltimore Ravens), Quentin Johnston (Los Angeles Chargers), and Dontayvion Wicks (Green Bay Packers) have been mentioned as trade possibilities,” Cimini said.

Bateman and Johnston are failed first-round picks from their respective teams who have plenty of upside, but both would be questionable second receiving options for an offense. Wicks has never really had the chance to be a WR2 and is on a Packers offense that features Christian Watson, Jayden Reed, and Matthew Golden ahead of him.

Then there is Thomas. Jacksonville has already denied shopping the former first-round talent after a down year in 2025, but with Travis Hunter coming back from injury, and the duo of Parker Washington and Jakobi Meyers breaking out, the former LSU star could very well be traded for the right price.

Any of these trades would yield at least decent draft capital. Deals for Bateman and Johnston could net an early Day 3 return. Thomas and Wicks, though, could very well cost a second-round pick.

That’s what the Jets have to contend with.

Will the team give up significant draft capital (which they have plenty of) for proven veterans? Or will they rely on the draft to fill the need?

With 24 days until the draft, New York will gain clarity soon.

Perhaps if things don’t fall their way in the draft, the Jets will pivot to the trade market afterward.