The New York Jets just gave a contract extension to Garrett Wilson, but despite this, there is a perfect opportunity for the Steelers to acquire him.
Metcalf gives the Steelers the big-bodied, physical wide receiver they’ve been missing since the days of Martavis Bryant. Yet, Pittsburgh’s offense still lacks a consistent route technician who can win underneath, create separation, and complement Metcalf’s downfield presence.
That’s exactly what Garrett Wilson provides — elite route running, yards-after-catch ability, and positional versatility. A pairing of Metcalf and Wilson would instantly transform the Steelers into one of the most dynamic receiver duos in the AFC, rivaling Cincinnati’s Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. Here’s why a Wilson to the Steelers move makes sense.
This is a PREDICTION, not a REPORT.
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Garrett Wilson is the kind of player who makes life easier for any quarterback. Despite playing in a struggling Jets offense with inconsistent quarterback play, Wilson has remained a model of consistency and competitiveness.
His ability to create separation with sharp cuts and polished footwork allows him to thrive both in the slot and on the perimeter. That versatility would give the Steelers’ offense the flexibility to move him across formations while using Metcalf to stretch the field vertically.
Imagine a scenario where defenses have to decide between rolling coverage toward Metcalf on the outside or doubling Wilson in the slot. That kind of stress on a defense opens up everything for the Steelers — more single coverage for tight ends like Pat Freiermuth, bigger running lanes for Harris and Warren, and easier reads for their quarterback.
Offensive coordinator Arthur Smith has already shown a willingness to design schemes that maximize play-action and spacing concepts, and adding Wilson would supercharge that approach.
Beyond X’s and O’s, Wilson’s mentality perfectly fits the Steelers’ identity. He’s a competitor who plays with toughness, grit, and confidence — qualities that have long defined Pittsburgh’s greats. He would bring energy to a locker room that has often lacked swagger and offensive identity since the departure of Antonio Brown.
Garrett Wilson Stats
As of October 30, 2025, Garrett Wilson continues to prove that he’s one of the most productive young wide receivers in football, even in adverse conditions.
Through eight games, Wilson has recorded 52 receptions for 643 yards and 4 touchdowns, averaging nearly 80 yards per game despite being in a struggling Jets offense that ranks near the bottom of the league in passing efficiency.
Since entering the NFL as the 10th overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, Wilson has totaled over 3,100 receiving yards and 18 touchdowns across his first three-plus seasons.
He earned Offensive Rookie of the Year honors in 2022, producing 83 catches for 1,103 yards and four scores with multiple quarterbacks. What makes his production even more impressive is that he’s done it without elite quarterback play — a testament to his route precision, strong hands, and ability to make contested catches.
For the Steelers, those numbers paint a clear picture: Wilson is the perfect receiver to complement Metcalf. While Metcalf draws attention with his size and deep-ball threat, Wilson can feast in short-to-intermediate routes, turning quick slants and crossing patterns into explosive plays. The Steelers haven’t had a reliable chain-moving receiver since JuJu Smith-Schuster’s prime years, and Wilson’s efficiency on third downs would fill that void instantly.
Garrett Wilson Contract
Garrett Wilson is currently on his rookie contract, which makes him not only one of the most talented wideouts available but also one of the most affordable.
He’s under team control through the 2025 season, with a fifth-year option available for 2026. His 2025 cap hit is approximately $5.5 million, a bargain for a player of his caliber. That manageable figure would allow the Steelers to maintain financial flexibility while keeping key defenders like Watt, Fitzpatrick, and Alex Highsmith under contract.
For the Jets, trading Wilson would signal a reset — potentially gathering draft capital to continue rebuilding around their next quarterback. For the Steelers, it’s the ultimate “buy now” opportunity. Pittsburgh could absorb Wilson’s rookie-scale contract, then look to extend him long-term alongside Metcalf, securing one of the NFL’s most lethal wide receiver tandems for years to come.
If Pittsburgh were to offer the Jets a 2026 first-round pick and a 2027 third-rounder, that could be enough to get a deal done. The Steelers would be betting that pairing Metcalf and Wilson gives them a championship-level passing attack, while the Jets would gain draft assets to retool their offense.
