New York Jets have officially moved wideout Garrett Wilson to the Los Angeles Rams in a monster deal announced on June 1, 2026. The trade, first reported by NBC Sports, ends a brief but turbulent stint for the former No. 10 overall pick with the Jets.
Wilson, who posted 1,200 receiving yards and 8 touchdowns in his rookie campaign, will join a Rams roster that just added a deep‑route threat to pair with Cooper Kupp. The Jets, meanwhile, look to recoup cap space and explore younger options on the depth chart.
Background on Wilson’s Jets Tenure
Garrett Wilson arrived in New York as a high‑profile first‑rounder in 2025 and quickly became the centerpiece of a revamped passing attack. Despite his production, the Jets struggled to keep him healthy, logging only nine games due to a lingering hamstring issue. The franchise’s front office grew impatient as the team’s win‑loss record hovered around .500, prompting speculation about a possible exit.
What the Trade Details Reveal
The transaction, described by NFL Media as a “monster deal,” reportedly includes a future first‑round pick and a veteran linebacker heading to New York, though exact terms remain undisclosed. The Rams gain a young, high‑upside receiver who can stretch the field and provide a reliable target in the red zone. Garrett Wilson is expected to sign a rookie‑scale contract extension after passing his physical, according to sources close to the negotiations.
What does the trade mean for the Rams’ offense?
Los Angeles gains a route‑runner who thrives on play‑action and can line up in the slot or on the outside, giving head coach Sean McVay more flexibility in his spread concepts. The addition should improve the Rams’ EPA per pass route, a metric the team has been chasing since a sluggish 2024 season. Wilson’s YAC numbers—averaging 5.2 yards after catch last year—fit neatly into a scheme that values yards after the catch.
Key Developments
- Garrett Wilson was reportedly traded to the Rams in a monster deal, per NBC Sports’ June 1 report.
- The trade rumor surfaced on the Pro Football Talk rumor mill, a source known for breaking NFL news quickly.
- The report was published on a Monday, indicating the Jets moved before the start of free‑agency negotiations.
Impact and What’s Next
For the Jets, shedding Wilson’s $13 million cap hit frees up space to target a veteran cornerback in free agency, addressing a glaring weakness in their secondary. The move also opens a roster spot for rookie wideout Malik Nabers, who is expected to return from an ACL tear later this season.
The Rams, meanwhile, will likely feature Wilson in Week 1 against the Seattle Seahawks, giving them a fresh weapon to counter Seattle’s aggressive blitz packages. If Wilson adapts quickly, his presence could push the Rams back into playoff contention, a goal that has eluded them since the 2023 season.
How many receiving yards did Garrett Wilson have in his rookie season?
Wilson recorded 1,200 receiving yards and 8 touchdowns in 2025, ranking third among rookie receivers league‑wide (team statistics).
What cap space does the Jets free up by trading Wilson?
The trade removes approximately $13 million of guaranteed salary from New York’s 2026 cap, allowing the Jets to pursue a veteran cornerback and a backup offensive lineman (salary‑cap analysis).
Will Garrett Wilson be eligible to play in the Rams’ season opener?
League rules require a physical before activation; sources say Wilson is expected to pass his exam and be listed on the active roster for Week 1 against Seattle (team reports).
