The Denver Broncos’ search for a true No. 1 wide receiver got an unfortunate update on Monday.
Speculation swirled recently that the New York Jets could continue reshaping their roster after moving multiple high-profile pieces over the past year. That chatter naturally led to questions about whether star receiver Garrett Wilson could be the next domino.
But according to league insider Tony Pauline, that scenario appears unlikely.
“There is speculation the Jets could trade Garrett Wilson, but I’m told that’s unlikely to happen unless a massive offer the team can’t refuse is placed in front of Gang Green,” Pauline reported. He added that those close to the situation say the Jets “don’t want to trade Wilson” and “they love him,” calling that an exact quote.
For a Broncos team widely expected to explore every possible upgrade at receiver this offseason, that is discouraging news.
Broncos’ Garrett Wilson Trade Hopes Cool Quickly
Wilson would have represented the type of blockbuster swing general manager George Paton and head coach Sean Payton might have viewed as a “dream” fit.
The 3,600-yard playmaker has topped 1,000 receiving yards in three straight seasons.
Wilson has produced those numbers despite operating in what has widely been viewed as one of the league’s most unstable and underperforming offenses. He has cycled through multiple quarterbacks and offensive coordinators during his time in New York.
Putting that kind of polish and explosiveness into Denver’s offense would have been scary. With Bo Nix’s timing and accuracy in Sean Payton’s system, Wilson could have thrived. His route running and ability after the catch might have taken the Broncos’ passing game to another level.
Denver’s offense flashed growth late last season, but one of the team’s biggest offseason needs is adding an elite WR1.
If the Jets were truly open to moving Wilson, the Broncos likely would have at least explored the cost.
Instead, the report suggests New York would only move him for an overwhelming offer. That dramatically lowers the odds of anything materializing and forces Denver to pivot toward other alternatives.
Broncos Pivot to Draft or Another Veteran Swing?
If Wilson is off the table, the Broncos still have options.
Pauline also noted that Denver is targeting Louisville wide receiver Chris Bell in the late first round. Bell is reportedly ahead of schedule in his ACL recovery and has re-entered first-round conversations after a 72-catch, 917-yard season.
That route would give Denver youth and upside rather than a proven veteran.
Beyond the draft, the Broncos have been loosely connected to big-name receivers in recent trade rumors, including A. J. Brown and Chris Olave in speculative discussions.
Additionally, Alec Pierce or Romeo Doubs could emerge as more attainable trade or free agent options.
For now, Denver’s dream scenario of landing a young, established star like Garrett Wilson appears to be fading.
Whether their WR1 answer comes in the draft, via trade, or through free agency, the pressure is now on George Paton and Sean Payton to pivot.
We’ll see which direction they ultimately choose.
Broncos Get Bad News on ‘Dream’ Blockbuster Trade