The Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers were interested in Garrett Wilson before the trade deadline, but the New York Jets and their star receiver were aligned on keeping him in New York.
It was reported Thursday that Wilson wanted to stay and the Jets regarded him as part of their long-term core. His contract runs through 2030, and the potential trade was described as an unrealistic outcome.
That explains why the interest did not produce the blockbuster some fans had envisioned. Both teams ultimately added different receivers from the Indianapolis Colts: Josh Downs went to Kansas City, while Keenan Allen joined San Francisco.
The Jets’ broader deadline approach was to consider moving players with expiring contracts while preserving their roster for 2027, according to Cimini. Coach Aaron Glenn said Wednesday that listening to inquiries did not mean New York would make a deal simply to make one.
“We won’t force any issues, and we’ll make sure we do what’s best for the organization,” Glenn said.
Chiefs and 49ers found different answers at receiver
Kansas City’s trade for Downs brought in a receiver with 33 catches for 354 yards and a touchdown through nine games this season. He had already given the Chiefs a close look at his ability, catching seven passes for 72 yards against them in Week 2.
Six of those catches produced first downs. That history gives Kansas City something concrete to build on as Downs learns a new offense, rather than leaving its deadline plans dependent on a player the Jets did not want to move.
San Francisco acquired Allen for a 2027 sixth-round pick. He had 40 catches for 351 yards and a touchdown in eight games with Indianapolis, and his career totals stood at 1,095 receptions, 12,402 yards and 71 touchdowns when the 49ers announced the deal.
The two acquisitions address the teams’ immediate receiver needs, while Wilson remains under contract in New York. Cimini raised the possibility of renewed discussion in the offseason depending on Wilson’s view of the team’s direction, but did not report an agreement to revisit a deal.
