Entering 2026, the New York Jets’ offense looks very different than last year’s. (Insert your very own, “Thank you, football gods-type thought,” here.)
A new offensive coordinator in Frank Reich, a fresh quarterback in Geno Smith, and a revamped pass-catching corps leave fans with optimism in the unit following a rough 3-14 season in 2025 with a carousel of quarterbacks and a weak pass-catching room.
Speaking to reporters on Thursday — with Jet X’s Robby Sabo in attendance — Jets star wide receiver Garrett Wilson had high praise for Reich’s offensive system, as the 64-year-old enters his first season as the Jets’ OC.
“This is one of the offenses I’ll look back on in a few years and love the most,” he said. “It’s player and receiver empowering.”
Based on Reich’s schematic preferences, he aligns perfectly with Geno.
During Smith’s best days as a starter with the Seattle Seahawks in 2024, he had the most success on in-dig and drag routes. Those also happen to be Reich’s two favorite routes to call in his career as a play caller, as our Michael Nania broke down.
Also, as we recently dissected, Wilson has the potential to have his best NFL season with the Jets in 2026. However, his targets per game may go down from his career average of 9.1.
It is for good reason, though, as Smith should feel confident distributing the ball to his other viable pass-catching options like Kenyon Sadiq, Omar Cooper Jr., Mason Taylor, Breece Hall, etc.
For the first time in his career, Wilson should have players around him who demand attention. While his volume may not be as high as a result of that, everyone benefits, himself included, at the end of the day.
Ultimately, we’ll see what Reich’s system looks like in 2026. Is it outdated, or has he adapted?
He has struggled to find NFL success in recent years and returns to the league for the first time this year since 2023, when he was fired in-season as the Carolina Panthers’ head coach.
