The New York Jets are looking to bolster their receiving corps behind star wideout Garrett Wilson as they enter the 2026 NFL season. Over the course of Wilson’s career, the Jets have cycled through numerous No. 2 and No. 3 receivers—including Corey Davis, Elijah Moore, Denzel Mims, Allen Lazard, Xavier Gipson, Davante Adams, Mike Williams, and John Metchie—with limited impact alongside the team’s standout player.
Despite Wilson’s prominence, none of these complementary receivers has surpassed 536 receiving yards in a single season or accumulated more than 1,028 yards over their Jets tenure, highlighting a persistent revolving door at the position. The exception was Davante Adams, who arrived midseason in 2024 as a high-profile acquisition to support quarterback Aaron Rodgers and appeared headed for the Hall of Fame.
This season, the Jets hope to find more stability with younger targets Adonai “AD” Mitchell and rookie Omar Cooper Jr. Mitchell, who joined the team via trade from the Indianapolis Colts last November, showed promising progress in his initial eight games with New York, recording 24 receptions for 301 yards and two touchdowns. Cooper, selected in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft, enters the league following a strong college career at the University of Michigan, where he led the Big Ten in yards per reception and caught 13 touchdowns in 2024.
“I’m very dynamic with the ball after the catch,” Cooper said, acknowledging his efforts to learn from Wilson and Mitchell. He emphasized the importance of the offensive scheme and coaching, crediting Jets offensive coordinator Frank Reich for putting him in positions to succeed. Cooper, who grew up admiring Wilson’s play at Ohio State, aims to contribute immediately while adjusting to the professional level.
Wilson, who posted three consecutive 1,000-yard seasons to start his career, led the Jets last year with 395 receiving yards despite missing the final 10 games due to injury. His limited time on the field means he is still building chemistry with Mitchell and Cooper.
Jets head coach Aaron Glenn praised the receiving group’s potential, noting that having multiple weapons will complicate defensive schemes aimed at Wilson. “It really opens us up any time you want to try to double Garrett,” Glenn said. “I’m happy exactly where we’re at on a talent level... We just have to continue to improve every day.”
During recent practice, new Jets quarterback Geno Smith connected a couple of times with Mitchell, while a miscommunication led to an overthrown ball intended for Cooper. Wilson commended Mitchell’s adaptability and playmaking ability since joining the team midseason. “That boy can play,” Wilson said of Mitchell, highlighting his capacity to produce despite a late arrival.
Unlike their AFC East rivals who pursued major roster moves this offseason, the Jets have chosen a conservative approach, focusing on developing young receivers rather than making significant free-agent signings or trades. Previous years saw reports linking New York to top receivers such as Stefon Diggs and Brandon Aiyuk, but that speculation has diminished as the Jets commit to their current group.
With Wilson still the focal point of the offense, the Jets aim to build a more consistent and productive receiving corps around him as they prepare for the upcoming campaign.