New York Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson. Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

Jets' Garrett Wilson talks expectations after Aaron Rodgers trade

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 5/3/23

Give the young New York Jets stars credit for realizing they must quickly evolve into proven veterans now that the club has Aaron Rodgers as its starting quarterback.

"I’d be lying if I said we add someone of Aaron Rodgers' pedigree and the expectation doesn’t go up a little bit," Jets wide receiver and 2022 Offensive Rookie of the Year Garrett Wilson told reporters on Wednesday, as shared by Josh Alper of Pro Football Talk. "That’s how it is in this industry. We’re excited to have him and we know what comes with it. We know all of a sudden eyes are on us and we gotta back it up every time we take the field. Practice or game. We’re excited to prove that every week."

Rodgers only officially joined the Jets from the Green Bay Packers last week but has already worked with Wilson and other teammates on the practice field.

since #JetsTwitter asked so nicely...@AaronRodgers12 ➡ @GarrettWilson_V pic.twitter.com/2UocepKe2o
— New York Jets (@nyjets) May 1, 2023

Unlike Jets cornerback and 2022 Defensive Rookie of the Year Ahmad "Sauce" Gardner, Wilson didn't quite call his shot. Gardner confidently said before the NFL Draft that it will be "easy" for the 2023 Jets to make the playoffs with Rodgers serving as their quarterback.

During a Tuesday appearance on "The Pat McAfee Show," Rodgers compared Wilson to former teammate and All-Pro receiver Davante Adams. Wilson said he was "honored" to "be mentioned in the same sentence" as Adams.

On Pat McAfee Show, Aaron Rodgers compared Garrett Wilson to Davante Adams

“To even be mentioned in the same sentence I’m honored, but I’ve still got a long way to go. I know where I want to be so I’ve got to keep my head down & keep working.”#Jets
pic.twitter.com/wn7cY7MXBo
— Harrison Glaser (@NYJetsTFMedia) May 3, 2023

According to ESPN stats, Wilson ended the 2022 regular season leading all Jets players with 83 catches, 147 targets, 1,103 receiving yards and four touchdown grabs. The 22-year-old will hope to improve upon those impressive stats while playing alongside a future Hall of Famer who should be a massive upgrade over the likes of Zach Wilson, Mike White, Joe Flacco and Chris Streveler.

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