In a stunning and fast-moving sequence of events that has sent shockwaves through the NFL, ESPN has confirmed that New York Jets franchise wide receiver Garrett Wilson is officially leaving the team—just 12 hours after receiving a $43 million payout. The bombshell was first hinted at by a Jets insider and then confirmed moments later by the team’s head coach in a post-practice press conference. Now, according to ESPN reports filed just three minutes ago, Wilson is heading west to join the Las Vegas Raiders.
The timing is jaw-dropping. Earlier this morning, Wilson’s contract with the Jets was terminated under what the team described as a “mutual agreement.” What followed, however, no one saw coming. The 2022 Offensive Rookie of the Year received a massive $43 million settlement from the Jets—an amount that reportedly includes guaranteed salary, bonuses, and deferred signing compensation. Jets fans assumed this meant Wilson would take a break or perhaps reassess his NFL future.
Instead, he bolted.
According to multiple sources close to the negotiations, the Raiders had been quietly monitoring Wilson’s situation for weeks. The moment his contract officially dissolved, Las Vegas made an aggressive offer. Sources inside the Raiders’ organization have revealed that Wilson will be signing a four-year deal worth up to $96 million, including a $35 million signing bonus. His contract could reach $110 million with performance incentives.
For the Jets, the move is a gut punch. Wilson was considered a cornerstone of the franchise’s offense and had shown elite-level talent despite inconsistent quarterback play. With Aaron Rodgers returning from injury and the Jets making aggressive moves in free agency, many believed 2025 was the year New York could make a deep playoff run. Now, they’ll be doing it without their No. 1 weapon.
“This is a business decision,” Wilson reportedly told ESPN. “I gave my all to the Jets, but the opportunity in Vegas was one I couldn’t pass up. It’s not about the money—it’s about the future, the vision, and the chance to compete for something bigger.”
The NFL community has lit up with reactions. Some analysts are praising Wilson’s tactical move while others are calling out the Jets’ front office for allowing a franchise talent to walk out the door. Jets fans? Many are devastated. Social media has been flooded with heartbreak, anger, and disbelief.
Meanwhile, in Las Vegas, the mood is electric. Wilson is expected to be unveiled at a press conference tomorrow, and Raiders fans are already calling the move a franchise-altering moment. Pairing Wilson with rising star quarterback Aidan O’Connell could give the Raiders the most dynamic offense in the AFC West.
Only time will tell who got the better end of this deal—but for now, one thing is clear: Garrett Wilson has pulled off one of the most shocking mid-offseason moves in recent NFL history.