Former NFL wide receiver Keyshawn Johnson has offered a measured assessment of Garrett Wilson’s current role and usage in the New York Jets offense, emphasizing patience and creativity as essential factors for the team to maximize Wilson’s impact.
Johnson acknowledged the challenges Wilson faces in consistently getting the football, suggesting the Jets’ coaching staff needs to develop tailored strategies to involve him more effectively. “They gotta figure out how to utilize him a certain way,” Johnson said. He urged Jets defensive backs coach Aaron Glenn and offensive coordinator Frank Reich, along with receivers coach Shawn Jefferson, to collaborate on ways to increase Wilson’s opportunities if limited targets persist over the coming games.
Wilson was limited to just six targets in last Sunday’s game against the New England Patriots, with two targets across the first three quarters. This was a sharp contrast to prior outings, including a four-target game in Chicago two weeks earlier. Johnson cautioned against overreacting to a single game, describing the situation as "one game" that may not indicate a broader trend.
Drawing on his own early career experience, Johnson recalled his rookie season with the New York Jets under coach Rich Kotite, a time when he often felt underutilized despite being the No. 1 overall pick. His fortunes changed when Bill Parcells took over as coach in 1997, reshaping the offense to feature him as a central weapon. "I was patient with Parcells 'cause he understood," Johnson said, contrasting that with his frustration under Kotite.
Johnson also noted the importance of having complementary offensive talent alongside Wilson. He suggested Wilson is the primary target without a strong secondary receiver to help divert defensive attention. "You gotta have somebody that teams are worried about to some degree to be able to get him free access and not eliminate him from the game," he said. Johnson praised Reich’s offensive acumen, expressing confidence in the coordinator’s ability to creatively deploy Wilson using varied routes and formations.
He mentioned specific players like Adonai Mitchell and Omar Cooper Jr. as potential partners who could help alleviate pressure from Wilson. “If he’s got the right situation and the right quarterback, he can be whatever you want him to be,” Johnson stated. While recognizing Wilson’s high level of talent, he refrained from placing him at the elite level yet, noting the rarity of players who can single-handedly dominate games like Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Ja’Marr Chase, or Amon-Ra St. Brown.
Ultimately, Johnson’s message centered on patience, urging the Jets to find ways to increase Wilson’s touches, rather than rushing to judgment after early-season fluctuations. “Just give him 12 damn touches,” Johnson advised, underscoring that consistent opportunities are key for Wilson’s growth and the Jets’ offensive success.