FLORHAM PARK — After a massive spending spree to fortify the defense in free agency, the New York Jets are shifting their sights to the 2026 NFL Draft. General Manager Darren Mougey and Head Coach Aaron Glenn face a clear mandate: fix an offense that sputtered during a disappointing 3-14 campaign last year. With the draft just weeks away, the rumor mill is spinning around a potential trade for a veteran pass-catcher.
ESPN’s Rich Cimini reports that the Jets are actively exploring the trade market to find a running mate for Garrett Wilson. While elite names like A.J. Brown aren’t on the table, New York is looking for high-upside targets entering the prime of their careers. Two names have surfaced as logical fits: Jacksonville’s Brian Thomas Jr. and Green Bay’s Dontayvion Wicks.
Thomas Jr. coming off a 707-yard season in 2025, offers the vertical threat the Jets lacked. Meanwhile, Wicks is entering the final year of his rookie contract in a crowded Packers room. Green Bay has a logjam at the position, and Wicks—who hauled in 30 passes for 332 yards last year—could be the “lower-level” move Cimini expects. A mid-round pick might be enough to pry him away as Green Bay looks to clear cap space for future extensions.
While a trade looks likely, the Jets remain bullish on internal development. Specifically, the team expects a massive leap from Adonai Mitchell. After arriving via trade from the Colts last November, Mitchell flashed elite potential. He grabbed 24 balls for 301 yards in just eight games with New York, including a career-high 102-yard performance against the Falcons.
Coach Aaron Glenn reportedly left the Annual League Meetings in late March feeling energized about Mitchell’s role. Despite pre-draft concerns about his interview process years ago, the Jets view those issues as distant history. They see a 6-foot-2 burner with 4.34 speed who finally has the stability of a full offseason in their system.
“They are really high on AD Mitchell. Aaron Glenn is really eager to see what he can do with a full offseason in the program and hitting the ground running from day one. The guy has vertical speed… he is a really good kid.”
— Rich Cimini, ESPN Jets Insider
The Jets hold premium draft capital, but using those picks on a proven vet like Thomas Jr. would provide immediate relief for a passing game that struggled with consistency. The 2025 season saw the Jets fall to 10 consecutive losing records, a streak Mougey is desperate to end. Whether it’s through a draft-day swap for Wicks or a bold move for Thomas Jr., the front office knows Garrett Wilson cannot carry the load alone. Expect a move before the first round kicks off in late April.
