Jul 30, 2026; Florham Park, NJ, USA; New York Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson (5) participates in a drill during training camp at Atlantic Health Jets Training Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images
Garrett Wilson and Geno Smith have a connection.
The former Ohio State wideout has become one of the best wide receivers in the NFL, leading the Jets in receiving yards in 2025. There was one glaring issue: Wilson played just seven games last year, appearing in just one game after the Jets’ loss to the Broncos in London on Oct. 12.
A healthy Wilson with a legitimate connection with the latest quarterback in the Jets’ revolving door would be massive. They played pitch and catch with each other all camp, and they even connected for a touchdown on Thursday. Friday all but followed up on the performance.
Five passes to Wilson from Smith, five completions for the duo. Just that kind of day.
“I feel like we can create the explosive plays that we need,” said offensive coordinator Frank Reich. “You want to score points and win games. It comes from explosive plays from an offensive standpoint.”
While Smith and Wilson were a perfect 5-for-5, Smith was 3-of-7 throwing to his other receivers, but the chemistry was there. Smith has continued his strong summer in the walkthrough and has become a leader in the locker room as well.
“Geno is the leader. He’s the leader of the offense,” Reich said. “Make no mistake about it in every way, shape, and form. What has come crystal clear to me in training camp is his laser focus. He comes to work, and he is locked in.”
The walkthrough was done to give the team a break before Glenn has a more intense scrimmage tomorrow. It will be starters against other starters in full pads, before toning it down to prepare for their first preseason game against Tampa Bay on Aug. 14.
The Bucs and Jets will hold joint practices this week before their game. The game will be Reich’s first NFL game since being fired from the Panthers in 2023, in quarterback Bryce Young’s first season.
Reich was Stanford’s interim head coach last season, but is now back in the pro ranks calling plays. He is reunited with former Colts tight end Jelani Woods, whom he drafted last season in Indianapolis and who has impressed him.
Now in New York, he feels refreshed and has been able to feed off of head coach Aaron Glenn’s energy as the preseason opener begins.
“I get my energy from [Aaron Glenn],” Reich said. “Like a lot of players here, he’s a great leader. I’m connected to his leadership. I get my energy from the players on offense…It’s hard not to get excited about that every day.”
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