Garrett Wilson Would Be Exchanged for a $110 Million Star in a Jets-Bears Mock Trade

The NFL offseason is always a period of speculation, rumor mills, and mock trades that captivate fans and analysts alike. As teams look to bolster their rosters for the upcoming season, the possibility of high-profile player swaps and trades becomes a central topic of conversation. In a bold and potentially game-changing mock trade scenario, the New York Jets are reportedly considering a deal that could send their young star wide receiver, Garrett Wilson, to the Chicago Bears in exchange for a $110 million star—offensive tackle Braxton Jones.

Wilson, the 2022 Offensive Rookie of the Year, has quickly established himself as one of the premier wide receivers in the NFL. His unique combination of speed, route-running, and elite catching ability makes him a coveted asset for any team looking to strengthen its offensive attack. The Jets, however, find themselves in a delicate position with quarterback Zach Wilson still in development and an overall roster that is yet to truly click under head coach Robert Saleh. The Bears, on the other hand, are in the midst of a full rebuild, but with Justin Fields showing growth and promise, they are looking for the final pieces that can push them into contention in the NFC.

This trade scenario would not only represent a seismic shift in both teams’ offensive strategies but also raise questions about how each franchise values the long-term potential of their respective rosters. In this piece, we will delve into the motivations behind such a trade, the impact it would have on both the Jets and Bears, and the analysis of whether or not this deal would make sense for both sides.

The Case for Garrett Wilson

Garrett Wilson was one of the most exciting players in the 2022 NFL Draft, and his rookie season did not disappoint. In his first year with the Jets, Wilson showcased his incredible potential, finishing the season with 1,103 receiving yards and four touchdowns. He demonstrated remarkable route-running ability, exceptional hands, and the ability to make plays in both short and deep passing situations. Wilson’s skill set mirrors that of the NFL’s top receivers, and he has the potential to become a perennial Pro Bowler.

For the Bears, adding a player like Wilson to their roster would be a massive upgrade to their receiving corps. Since drafting Justin Fields, the Bears have struggled to provide him with a reliable group of pass catchers, with inconsistent play at wide receiver and tight end hindering their offensive production. Adding an elite receiver like Wilson could open up the Bears’ offense, allowing Fields to have a true go-to weapon on the outside, and providing an immediate boost to the team’s passing attack.

Wilson’s potential to thrive in Chicago is enhanced by the presence of Fields, whose ability to extend plays and throw on the run could mesh well with Wilson’s ability to make plays in space. With his elite athleticism and explosive speed, Wilson could help stretch the field for the Bears and elevate their offense to new heights.

The Case for Braxton Jones

In exchange for Wilson, the Jets would likely demand a high-value player, and offensive tackle Braxton Jones could be the centerpiece of the deal. Jones, while relatively new to the league, has shown significant potential as the Bears’ starting left tackle. Selected in the fifth round of the 2022 NFL Draft, Jones immediately entered the starting lineup and displayed a solid combination of size, athleticism, and pass protection skills.

For the Jets, the need for a reliable offensive line is paramount. Zach Wilson, the team’s starting quarterback, has struggled with consistent play due to poor protection, and the Jets’ offensive line has been a weakness for years. In particular, New York has been looking for a left tackle to protect Wilson’s blindside and provide stability in the pocket. Trading for a young, promising player like Jones would allow the Jets to secure their quarterback’s future by improving their offensive line, which could then help develop Wilson’s game and make the Jets’ offense more efficient overall.

Jones would slot in immediately as a starter for the Jets, giving them the stability they need at left tackle and allowing them to address a long-standing issue. His ability to protect the quarterback and open up holes in the running game would be invaluable as the Jets look to create a more balanced offense.

Why the Jets Might Consider Trading Garrett Wilson

For the Jets, trading Garrett Wilson would not be an easy decision. However, the move could be driven by several factors that would make sense from a team-building perspective. First and foremost, the Jets’ priority is to fix their offensive line to provide better protection for Zach Wilson. With a young quarterback still trying to find his rhythm at the NFL level, it is crucial that the team invests in its offensive line to ensure he has the time to develop. The Jets have already invested a significant amount of money and draft capital into their defense, and bolstering their offense is now their primary focus.

While trading a star receiver like Wilson would be difficult, the Jets could reason that they need to address their offensive line issues more urgently. The team’s offensive struggles in recent seasons have been partly due to the lack of protection for the quarterback and the inability to generate a consistent rushing attack. Trading Wilson for a young and talented offensive tackle like Braxton Jones would give the Jets a solid building block for their offense. Adding a reliable protector at left tackle would not only help Zach Wilson’s development but also provide a foundation for future success in the trenches.

Moreover, the Jets could consider utilizing their wide receiver depth as another reason to part ways with Wilson. The team has several promising receivers, including Elijah Moore, Corey Davis, and the recently drafted Garrett Wilson. While Wilson is undoubtedly the best of the bunch, the Jets could see his trade value as an opportunity to address other positions of need and continue building a more balanced roster.

Why the Bears Might Consider Trading for Garrett Wilson

The Bears’ motivation to acquire Garrett Wilson is clear: they need to provide Justin Fields with the weapons necessary to take the next step in his development. Fields has shown flashes of brilliance, but his ability to consistently produce has been hindered by a lack of receiving talent around him. While the Bears have made moves to improve their receiving corps, acquiring a player like Wilson could be the missing piece to unlock Fields’ potential.

In addition to Wilson’s talent, his youth and upside make him a long-term asset that the Bears can build around. Fields is still early in his career, and adding an elite talent like Wilson to his arsenal would give the Bears a dynamic duo that could be dangerous for years to come. Furthermore, the Bears have significant salary cap space, which allows them to take on a player like Wilson and still maintain flexibility for future moves. Adding a $110 million star like Wilson would represent a bold commitment to building around Fields and establishing a high-powered offense for the future.

The Impact on the Bears’ Offense

Adding Garrett Wilson to the Bears’ offense would have an immediate impact. Wilson’s ability to create separation, make difficult catches, and stretch the field would provide Fields with a reliable weapon who can win one-on-one matchups. Whether it’s a deep route down the sideline or a quick slant to move the chains, Wilson has the versatility to excel in various situations. His presence would also open up opportunities for other players, such as Darnell Mooney, to thrive in less coverage, ultimately giving Fields more options and making the offense more difficult to defend.

In terms of offensive balance, Wilson’s arrival would help the Bears become more pass-heavy, which could help them remain competitive in an increasingly offensive-minded NFC. The Bears could pair Wilson with their young, talented offensive line and a promising running back committee to create a multifaceted offense that can score from anywhere on the field.

The Impact on the Jets’ Offense

For the Jets, acquiring Braxton Jones would help solidify their offensive line, which has been a point of contention for several years. With the Jets’ focus on developing Zach Wilson, improving the offensive line is a critical step. If Jones can step in and become a reliable protector at left tackle, it could make a world of difference for the team’s offense.

The addition of Jones would also give the Jets more flexibility in terms of their offensive strategy. With better protection for their quarterback, the Jets could implement more varied and complex passing schemes that could exploit the full potential of their wide receivers. Additionally, the improved offensive line would help the Jets establish a stronger running game, creating balance and making them a more formidable opponent in the AFC.